updated 5:00 p.m. ET June 26, 2005

PRESTO, Pa. - Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Craig Patrick is optimistic the NHL and its players’ union will reach a labor agreement in the coming weeks.

But he said few details from the two sides’ meetings in New York and Toronto have trickled down to team officials.

“There’s been no updates,” Patrick said Sunday at the Mario Lemieux Celebrity Invitational at the Club at Nevillewood in suburban Pittsburgh. “I think everybody’s just cautiously optimistic right now. I hope something happens. Naturally, we all do, but we won’t know what the agreement looks like until we see the document.”

With teams unable to sign or trade players, Patrick hasn’t much to do, other than monitor the club’s minor league team in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. In any event, he’s eager to get back to work.

“We’re well rested and it won’t be a mad scramble,” Patrick said. “It’s going to be a lot of fun. I’m looking forward to it.”

MORE FROM NHL

NHL Section Front

Crosby’s OT goal lifts Penguins Jones has 2 goals to lead Avs past Flyers Gaborik's 4 points lead Rangers over Blue Jackets Fisher's goal leads Senators past Capitals in OT Predators win 6th straight, 3-1 over Red Wings Selanne nets shootout winner for Ducks vs. Flames Laraque suspended five games for hit on Kronwall Breaking down the perfect NHL player Live odds Matchups/Injuries NHL Section Front   Add NHL headlines to your news reader: