January 5, 2013

Senators forward Zack Smith (front) with teammates Erik Condra and Chris Phillips (back) during an informal skate with other NHL players at the Minto Skating Club in Ottawa, Ont., Jan. 4, 2013. (ERROL McGIHON/QMI Agency)

NEW YORK - Teams are gearing up for an NHL season.

There isn't a collective bargaining agreement in place and there's no certainty the league and Players' Association will come to a deal before Friday's deadline, but teams are getting ready to open training camp next Saturday.

Since the NHL wants to start a 48-to-50-game schedule on Jan. 19, there isn't going to be a lot of time to make preparations if the players do sign on the dotted line so a lot of work is being done behind the scenes as talks continue.