Friday's scheduled talk between the NHL and the NHLPA has renewed the hope of some players like Winnipeg defenseman Mark Stuart. "Optimistic," he said. "At least there's communication. And we should all be optimistic as long as those discussions are taking place." He will continue to take the situation day-by-day, but it is encouraging that some progress could be reached prior to the weekend, even if it is just on non-core economic issues.