On September 15 next year, the current deal expires, and there has long been a fear that negotiations over a new deal will be tough and seem likely to result in a work stoppage.
However, NHLPA president Trevor Linden told a Canadian radio station he was optimistic a deal could be reached.
Said Linden: "I'm optimistic that we won't have a work stoppage, but it's always a possibility.
"It's unfair to speculate right now, I don't know what course things may take. Obviously the ownership side has some concerns and I think the players would like to look at those and try and solve them. If it becomes a my way or the highway type of thing, it could get dragged out."
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The head of the NHL's players union says he is hopeful a new collective bargaining agreement can be struck to avoid a predicted labour strike.
