Gary Bettman, in an update that lasted 24 seconds, said this afternoon he is pleased with the direction talks are going between the NHL and its players' association.
"We are pleased with the process that is ongoing," Bettman said in New York, "and out of respect for that process I don't have anything else to say."
Resuming the talks that began Tuesday, six owners and 20 players (up from 18) are scheduled to meet again this afternoon. Neither Bettman nor union Executive Director Donald Fehr will take part. The NHL Players' Association today added Chris Campoli and Daniel Winnik to its list of players.
It is not known whether either side will present a formal proposal.
Bettman today presided over a two-hour board of governors meeting and described it as "basically an update."
---John Vogl
