Bettman insists he's not looking for fight in CBA talks

Gary Bettman says he would be happy if the NHL and NHLPA make few waves in coming to a resolution in upcoming negotiations over the collective bargaining agreement.

"I'm not in favor of having a difficult negotiation," the commissioner told reporters, including NHL.com's Nick Cotsonika, on Wednesday.

"I'm hoping we can extend or renew (the CBA) with minimum fanfare, and I'm not a fan of work stoppages, although we do have to have a system that works and keeps the game healthy and vibrant and entertaining as it is now. So we'll see what happens, but I'm not looking for a fight."

The NHL's current CBA expires after the 2021-22 season, but the league can elect to opt out on Sept. 1 of this year. If the league forgoes that opportunity, the players' association can opt out Sept. 15.