SAN JOSE -- The NHL All-Star Game provides a rare opportunity to talk with commissioner Gary Bettman about the statue of the league, and he delivered some notable updates when speaking to the media Friday.
Here are the four main takeaways from Bettman’s press conference -- and what came after.
Cautious optimism as CBA negotiations begin
Mathieu Schneider is a veteran of four NHL work stoppages. The special assistant to NHLPA head Donald Fehr was a player during a strike and two lockouts, including one that wiped out a whole season. He also worked with the players’ association during the last lockout in 2012-13.