from Elliotte Friedman of CBC,

For the first time since this agonizingly, ridiculous process began, there is a legitimate goalpost in the ground. The players have some serious questions about the offer, especially since it is only seven pages and leaves plenty of unanswered questions, but even the most hardcore NHLPA members admit this is a good starting point.

In fact, the overwhelming response from players was, "Why didn't we get this offer in June?" And it wasn't just them who felt that way. One team executive said: "It's about !#$%^&* time."

Fehr, the executive director of the NHL Players' Association, will certainly ask for some more information on Wednesday morning. After Tuesday's players' conference call, membership was uncertain about several issues. Some of the hardliners are skeptical, especially since the NHL set the original bar so low that any offer would look good. Plus, Tuesday's submission means a smaller share of the hockey-related revenue pie and contract concessions. But others are willing to see how Fehr's queries are answered and go from there.

"I think we're going to make a serious counter," one player said. "We want to put something together to get a deal done."

One agent texted last night: "The next three-four days are critical." I agree with that because the NHL offer leaves room for negotiation and counters, which is undeniably part of the strategy.

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