The NHL and the Players' Association have agreed to the inclusion of a federal mediator in ongoing negotiations towards a new Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Mediation by a third party was also done during the 2004-2005 lockout. The hope is an objective party will help get the negotiating process on track. The current work stoppage, which began on September 16th, has already caused the cancellation of 422 regular season games as well as the Red Wings/Maple Leafs Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium and the All-Star Weekend inColumbus.