from Larry Brooks of the NY Post,

Believing a deal is there to be had, several team executives have told The Post of their frustration with the league’s refusal to negotiate off the PA’s proposal of last Wednesday and with the NHL’s all-or-nothing approach to bargaining.

Team executives — with the apparent exception of militant Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke — have all but been eliminated from the process by the hard line Board negotiating committee.

The players, meanwhile, as numerous sources report, have become extremely pessimistic the lockout can be ended through negotiation, believing the owners will open the doors only if the union capitulates. That’s why PA leadership has been given the authorization by the rank-and-file to prepare for legal action.

a bit more...