NHL CBA Negotiations: Patrick Sharp, Blackhawks Players Training Hard Despite Uncertainty

The NHL is still in a state of flux, with collective bargaining negotiations between the league and player's union moving at a glacial pace. If the two sides don't reach an agreement by Sept. 15, then the league will lock out the players for the second time in nine years.

Most players, though, are still preparing as if the season is going to begin on time in early October. Among those players is Chicago Blackhawks star Patrick Sharp and a host of his teammates.

Sharp is among a host of Blackhawks and other NHL players currently training in Chicago, and even though they have their doubts about the season's start date, they are continuing to push themselves.

"When you're pushing pretty hard on the ice or on the bike or in the gym, sometimes you think, 'What am I doing this for? - we might not be playing,' " Sharp said. "But I've got the mindset and the focus that we're going to start on time. I try not to get too negative. I'm an optimist. I feel like it's something that can get done and there's not a reason to miss ... games."

(via Chicago Tribune)

Among those training with Sharp in Chicago are ex-Blackhawks Troy Brouwer and Brian Campbell.

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