Thursday Chum Bucket: In podium we trust

Today is the most important day of CBA negotiations since yesterday and Brandon Worley breaks down where the two sides are at this critical juncture. While there still seems to be quite a bit of optimism that a deal will be signed, it’s worth noting that the NHLPA is likely not pleased with the fact that $50 million of the NHL’s “make whole” offer is going toward the pension fund instead of actual salary, the league refuses to budge on five-year contract limits (except to up that to seven years for homegrown players) and a proposed 10-year CBA by the NHL will likely tip the players off that they’re getting the short end of the hockey stick here. [Defending Big D]
Gary Bettman and Donald Fehr will be rejoining the negotiating session this morning. Which could either mean they’re in there finalizing a deal or is this is all about to go to shit very shortly. [Backhand Shelf]
Dan Boyle and Patrick Marleau are still being cautious about projecting too much optimism. [Mercury News]
How the biggest factor in the urgency of these meetings is likely the calendar. [SBN Washington D.C.]
Getting a bit ahead of ourselves, but how could a CBA agreement affect the World Junior Championships? [SB Nation]
Elliotte Friedman discusses the meaningful silence that has largely pervaded this latest round of negotiations. [CBC]
If we do have a season, how many games can we expect? [Puck Daddy]
Tomas Hertl has had a great start to his first professional season after being drafted, currently leading his Czech Extraliga team in scoring. [CSN Bay Area]

Talking Points