Hockey fans can almost breathe a slight sigh of relief.
Chances of the NHL and NHLPA avoiding a lockout during the upcoming 2012-13 season are looking greater as the league transitions into the offseason.
Online bookmaker Bovada predicts 15 odds that a new deal will be in place before the currect collective bargaining agreement expires on Sept. 15.
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Bovada's sportsbook manager, Kevin Bradley, explained the reasoning behind the website's prediction to NBC's ProHockeyTalk.
Until both sides sit down and start talking about a new CBA, it will be impossible to gauge where the NHL is heading," Bradley said. "However, thus far both sides are willing to talk and have agreed on some target dates, leading us to believe that a new CBA is imminent.
If the meetings go well and can get worked out quickly, the season will not be delayed. The Blackhawks are scheduled to play their first preseason game on Sept. 25 against the Flyers in Philadelphia.