Andrew Ladd is optimistic that negotiations appear to be moving forward, but he's maintaining a cautious approach to the process. "I definitely think guys are happy another proposal was made and hopefully it leads to something more. That's the best way to put it," he said. "We're discussing internally the best way to move forward. Hopefully something comes out of that in the next 24 or 48 hours." The players' union may come up with a counter-proposal during that time to the NHL's Tuesday offer.