I would like to think that the NHL and it's players could come to an agreement before September 15th, but even with the players accepting a hard cap on team payroll going forward, there remains a substantial gulf to be bridged. In fact, Donald Fehr and the players may not be playing as nice as it seems.

As for myself, I have little sympathy for the owners and general managers at this point:

"Everybody but the people who run teams base performance on how many points you get [or] how many goals. Well, we don't. If he gets goals, that helps, but you have to look at the overall contribution to the team. Martin [Lapointe]'s a character person. He comes to play every night. He came from a winning program. And we needed at his position."

- Harry Sinden

Check out my article on the significance of this quote over at The Leafs Nation for a more detailed explanation.

Jump for more links.

Leafs Links:

Lindy’s Maple Leaf "Season Preview" magazine brings back fond memories of old-time publications
Oh, Michael Langlois, you make me blush. Seriously folks, go buy this magazine on August 28th.

Which first-line centres were available?
Cam Charron wonders how much the Leafs could realistically have improved.

Can the Toronto Maple Leafs Make the Playoffs in 2013?
My own take? No. Not as the roster is today. Tony Notarianni has his say at Maple Leafs Central

Leafs' Playoff Odds
From @thesilverfoxto.

NHL Rookie Preview: Ben Scrivens
Let's all get excited about the man with an unusually high glove in a normal stance. From Steven Ellis at The Hockey House.

The Best Game You Can Name

Let's welcome a new member to the Barilkosphere, Sam Gamper.

Other Hockey Links:

Gary Bettman says ‘wide gap’ remains in NHL labour talks
WELL SHRINK IT, LAWYER MAN. From David Shoalts at the Globe.

NHLPA Counter Offer: What's the Bottom Line?
Over at Arctic Ice Hockey, Alex Hemsky has his say.

Donald Fehr, actual negotiating genius
Ryan Lambert has a few kind words to say about the NHLPA boss at BHS.

Backhand Shelf Podcast, featuring Scott Hartnell, CBA talk and more
Always good to hear hockey talk in August.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman provides needles for your CBA optimism balloons
Oh goody. From Greg Wyshynski at PD.

Is trading salary cap space good or bad for the NHL?
Depends on who you ask, I suppose. Greg Wyshynski has his say.

Detroit Red Wings 12-13 Preview: Life After Lidstrom
Over at NHL Numbers, Jonathan Willis wonders how things in Detroit will go.

One More Interview with Rick Rypien
Kyle Cicerella asked the late Canuck a few questions.

Introducting today’s NHL jerseys, in 8-bit SNES form
The thing is, Sega Genesis' NHL games were always better. From JB at BHS.