David Backes is still optimistic about a deal after spending three days as part of the negotiating team on the players side. He certainly didn't understand the owners side of things as far as length of contract and length of the CBA deal but was hopeful of an agreement. ƒ?oItƒ?Ts a kick in the groin where we went from Thursday at 3 until Thursday at 10 p.m,ƒ?? Backes said. ƒ?oBut I was optimistic and I guess I still am. Ebbs and flows, I guess. Weƒ?Tll all see where it goes.ƒ?? We guess we all will.