Pierre LeBrun Delivers Bombshell Update on the NHL's CBA Negotiations

Collective Bargaining Agreements have always been a bit tense for the National Hockey League. In the Gary Bettman era, we have had numerous lockouts.

1994-95 almost didn't happen because of a half-season lockout. In 2004-05, the league didn't play a single game. Then, just a few years later, we missed another half-season.

However, in more recent years, the NHL and the NHLPA have had a much better working relationship that has worked out in the favor of the players. Not to mention, it has softened the public perception of Commissioner Gary Bettman.

Gary Bettman and the NHLPA are working on a new CBA, and based on Bettman's own words, things are looking up. There is a year left to go before the current CBA is up, and the feeling is that something might get done this summer.

This is a sentiment echoed by NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, who confirmed this week that the Board of Governors could see a CBA in front of them on June 25th. For now, some minor issues need to be tweaked.

For now, it seems as though a lockout would be extremely unlikely. However, you never know how things could play out. If these minor issues are not resolved, we could see a disaster play out.

Although at this stage of the game, fans should remain optimistic and not concern themselves with something that is a worst-case scenario.

We just hope that the LTIR playoff salary cap issue is addressed. The Las Vegas Golden Knights and Florida Panthers have been taking advantage far too often.

Only time will tell whether or not this next CBA actually contains some big changes, or if it is just more of the same.