The CBA negotiations have reached a critical point. Both sides had made some concessions in last week’s bargaining session but everything seems to be down spiraling again. The players would like to meet according to sources, but Bettman is using pressure tactics again.

According to sources, many owners are completely against Bettman’s negotiation tactics. The unmeasurable damage the lockout has inflicted upon the NHL’s image as a professional sport will already result in a catastrophic drop in the league’s revenue this year. In fact, an important issue to be discussed in future meetings if a deal is within grasp will be determining who bites the bullet and how this revenue losses will be shared among owners and players. But some revenues are better than no revenues at all and I have learned from an NHL source that if Bettman doesn’t get a deal done soon (AKA before the new year), the owners could mutiny.

Bettman only needs the support of 8 owners to continue the lockout crusade and as of right now some of the most powerful and influential owners who are against the lockout and would be in favor of a deal on current terms that were already discusses are starting to talk. Word is being spread among owners to end the lockout despite of Bettman’s tactics, but not everyone is a believer. As of right now, I have received confirmation from official NHL source that the following team owners are AGAINST the lockout and Bettman’s negotiation tactics: Boston, Buffalo, Carolina, Chicago, Detroit, Minnesota, Montreal, Nashville, Rangers, Ottawa, Philly, Pens, San Jose, Toronto, Vancouver and Caps.  For one or more reasons, all of these owners have expressed dissatisfaction towards Bettman and his CBA negotiations in a more or less official and a more or less strongly expressed manner.

According to my source, the owners feel much better towards Daly leading the negotiations than Bettman. Also, as I mentioned in previous articles, players are starting to really speak out against the league and Bettman. Ian White did and showed his clear frustration with this situation. More will follow and while the way White shared the message was not commendable, this is what many of the players think. And it’s OK for them to feel frustrated, since right now it’s the PA that wants to continue the negotiation process and the NHL does not… despite Dreger and TSN pushing forth their pro-owner propaganda.

Stay tuned via Twitter @HockeyyInsiderr for future updates.