Bettman, at his annual state of the league address prior to Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, said the sides are “having very constructive, professional, cordial dialogue.”

The NHL and NHLPA are making steady progress on a new deal, aiming to avoid another lockout and ensure long-term league stability.

Addressing the media on Wednesday in Edmonton prior to the Oilers' Game 1 matchup with the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman offered a positive assessment of the league's negotiations with the NHL Players' Association on a new collective bargaining agreement.