from Michael Grange of Sportsnet,

Remember the salary floor, the lower limit on what teams can spend on player salaries?

It’s gotten scant attention over the past 110 days, but it could end up being the determining factor before a deal gets made.

There are two competing groups of owners howling in Bettman’s ear at the moment. On one side are those that actually make money or otherwise feel the need to get the season up and running -- the big-market Canadian teams and the major U.S. clubs such as the Rangers, Flyers and Blackhawks, as well as Pittsburgh and perhaps Minnesota.

They are joined in the ‘just get a deal done already’ chorus by sponsors and broadcast rights holders.

On the other are the floundering U.S. owners -- Anaheim, Columbus, Florida, Tampa Bay and the like.

They see this next CBA as being key to their ability to survive, if not thrive -- and they have the ear of a commissioner who feels he’s given too much to the players’ already.

more