With 650 regular-season games plus this year's All-Star game already cancelled, time is running out to strike a deal.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and players' association executive director Bob Goodenow, are expected to sit out this session, reports the Associated Press. The idea to meet in a smaller group was reportedly hatched by players' association president Trevor Linden.
The sides last met on 14 December 14, when the NHL rejected a union proposal that included a 24 per cent pay cut. The union rejected a league counter-proposal.
The NHLPA remains adamant that it will never accept a salary cap. The union's offer featured a luxury tax and revenue-sharing system.
