Photo credit: Bruce Bennett

The last few days, there have been a number of positive signs that the NHL lockout may be near an end. In a Russian interview, Ovechkin revealed that his soul was still in DC and in two seperate reports from The Pittsburgh Tribune Review’s Rob Rossi and WBZ-TV’s Steve Burton, sources have revealed that the two sides are finally working together constructively.

Now, former NHL player and current Sportsnet broadcaster Nick Kypreos has gone a bit further, saying that Bettman, behind-the-scenes, wants a new CBA completed in a matter of days.

“Apparently Gary is ready to get a deal done,” Kypreos said on Sportsnet’s Hockey Central show, which was reported in a story by The Edmonton Journal. “He wants this thing done Friday. Friday!”

The panelists of Hockey Central also speculated that training camps could open within 10 days.

[Former NHL GM] Doug MacLean said there had been great progress in Tuesday’s talks between the players and the owners. “The owners are saying they’re going to be flexible and the players are saying they’re going to be flexible.”

Rumours are circulating that coaches are now calling players, telling them to be ready for training camp on Dec. 14, MacLean and Kypreos said.

The players are being told to, “Be ready!” Kypreos said.

You can read the entire Edmonton Journal story here.

I’m not sure what to believe here, but please, please, please let it be right.

Ice returns to Verizon Center! (Photo credit: @bitler7)