Negotiations between the NHL and its players could go on for up to three days in New York this weekend in a possible sign of progress, according to 'numerous sources' in a report by Josh Yohe of the Tribune-Review.

The meetings on Friday, according to the report, will be discussing issues such as player safety issues, realignment possibilities and player discipline issues.

Craig Adams, player representative for the Pittsburgh Penguins, told Yohe in the report that any progress that could be made in these topics of discussion may serve to provide a boost of momentum to the lockout negotiations as a whole and open the door for "serious progress," as the report says, to be achieved.

The previous collective bargaining agreement between the league and its players expired on Sept. 15, beginning the lockout on Sunday, Sept. 16. Earlier today, the league announced the cancellation of the entire 2012 preseason. The regular season is currently slated to begin on Oct. 11.