According to multiple reports, the NHLPA on Thursday held a conference call with its executive committee as the lockout reached its 46th day.
ESPNs Pierre Lebrun reported that the call reaffirmed the union's willingness to stick together and hang tough, but that the players want the union to get back in the bargaining room with Gary Bettman and NHL leadership.
On Wednesday, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly and NHLPA special counsel Steve Fehr spoke over the phone in a conversation that was labeled as substantive by Daly, who expects to hear from Fehr on Thursday. It's possible negotiations could restart, after the two sides have gone nearly two weeks without formal discussions.
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Meanwhile, the league is expected to cancel the Winter Classic on Friday, barring a last-minute breakthrough in negotiations. The event is scheduled to take place on Jan. 1 at Michigan Stadium between original six teams Detroit and Toronto.
According to CSNPhilly.com, the likelihood of losing the entire season increases dramatically once the Winter Classic is canceled, said a rep on the NHLs Board of Governors.
The NHL has already cancelled all games through the month of November.