The PA has to know that number is going to get considerably smaller as they are locked out longer and longer. If the season is cancelled they can wave goodbye to anywhere from 6-12 million of that cap number. I believe there will be a deal for the following reasons: 1. Everyone knows how badly an entire cancelled season would for the sport (NHL & NHLPA) 2. The only people who care if the cap is below around 45 million that badly are the '8' and stupid Bettman 3. The pressure on both sides to get a deal done is IMMENSE at this point, the Owners of the teams outside the '8' will scream bloody murder if the NHLPA is willing to accept a cap from 40-45 million and Bettman doesn't cut a deal.
I'm pro-owner, but I will say I like the cap figure between 40-45 million with a floor around 32 million and a luxury tax that starts around 38 million (based on the NHLPA's figures). It doesn't overly limit the market, but it prevents extreme payrolls and closes the gap between the big spenders and the smaller markets. People seem to forget that under this climate a team with say a 36 million payroll isn't as handicapped as if teams could still have payrolls around $70 million.