from Elliotte Friedman of CBC,

The more you read about how mediators actually do their work, the more you realize how careful everyone needs to be about measuring their success. He's not going to keep the process going if he sees no willingness to make a deal, which explains why previous attempts were such spectacular failures.

But, he's also not going to reveal to one side what the other is thinking. Notice the section in the FAQ about confidentiality. Beckenbaugh has to be very careful that he does not reveal what the NHL is thinking to the NHLPA and vice versa. So, when he's shaping the conversation, he can't do it in a way that's going to give away the opponent's strategy or thought process.

So, when he asks a question to someone, that person isn't 100 per cent certain if it's the opposition's idea or Beckenbaugh's. They'll guess, of course, but can't be sure. That's why it will be interesting to see when the league and the players do go face-to-face once again. Assuming Beckenbaugh stays involved, history indicates he will pull them together if he feels he sees enough common ground to try and close the deal.

more including Disclaimer of Interest (Part II)...