from Dan Oldfield at CBC,

So it's hard to see any compelling reason for this to continue. Other than stubbornness.

That will be overcome, but the question is when.

Maybe this week? Maybe next? Or in a month?

After that, the deal should come together fairly quickly — in a matter of days. I see it happening like this:

Day 1

Steve Fehr and Bill Daly come to the realization that neither the league's nor the player's latest proposals will resolve the outstanding issues, but agree that a combination of the offers can get it done. They will initially agree to meet in person, off the record, and not for publication.

read on for three more days and guess what, a deal is done...