Today seems like a good day for some NHL news. First of all, there's been a few signing over the last couple days that haven't surfaced up here. Secondly, the open thread is well over 800 comments now, and is taking forever to load. Last, but definitely not least, is today's big headline.

Earlier today in Toronto, the NHLPA finally presented what they call an "alternate view" for a counter-proposal in the CBA negotiations. Although no information has been linked about what exactly is in the proposal, Gary Bettman addressed the media with the following choice of words: "It's clear to me (the NHLPA) didn't put (the proposal) together in an hour or two." Many reactions so far entail that this is a much more impressive job by the players than expected. The two sides have another meeting set for tomorrow morning, and the ability for the NHL to go through the counter-proposal in this small of a time frame would show whether or not the players made predictable moves.

Some more news from around the league now:

• Max Pacioretty has signed a 6-year extension with the Canadiens, reportedly worth $4.5M per year.
• Speaking of Les Habitants, despite not having a new contract yet, P.K. Subban is optimistic he'll have a long career in Montreal.
• The Avalanche have signed on Jean-Sebastien Giguere for a one-year contract extension, keeping him in Colorado until the summer of 2014.
• Reports came out yesterday that Andreas Lilja had hip surgery in mid-July, and should be ready to rejoin the Flyers in late October or early November.
• Finally, an interesting report came out yesterday that the NHL has right up to January 1st to pull out of the 2013 Winter Classic. If there is a work stoppage from the CBA negotiations, then we might not get to FINALLY see a Canadian team in the Classic.

Go progress.