The NHL Players’ Association is busy reviewing the latest contract offer from the league; if approved, it could see a full 82 game regular season schedule begin on November 2nd.

League Commissioner Gary Bettman put forward the 50/50 revenue sharing proposal Tuesday afternoon; along with an assurance existing contracts would be honoured.

The players’ union chief, Donald Fehr, and the executives are pouring over the offer; the two sides are scheduled to meet Thursday.

Calgary Sun Sports Columnist and Jack FM morning show co-host, Eric Francis, tells 660News the pressure is squarely on the players who have stated all along they just want to play.

Francis says the owners have backed off on their demand the players accept only 43 per cent of hockey related revenue.

Dean Molberg with Sportsnet 960 the Fan says it appears the owners realize the importance of saving the season and are anxious to strike a deal to shift the focus away from the boardroom to the ice.