Don Fehr was asked point blank by NHL player agents whether or not he has interest in becoming the NHLPA's next executive director.
Sources say Fehr didn't offer a definitive answer, but the fact he didn't outright say no is viewed by a growing number of his backers as a real positive.
Fehr is currently working with the PA as advisor, aiding in rewriting its constitution before helping the unions search committee find its new leader, a process that can't proceed without a constitution which will also contain a job description for the position of executive director.
This search isn't expected to take place for months which will allow the Fehr speculation to grow.
NHL players have started to speak publicly in favor of Fehr's hiring, however his critics are quick to point out he doesn't know the league, the game, and the players and may not be able to understand some of the subtle issues NHL players have to deal with on a day to day basis.
Fehr is regarded as a fierce negotiator whose talents may be best served in advising the union on whether or not to extend the CBA through the 2011-2012 season. However, history shows, Fehr is also a strong opponent to salary caps, or anything that resembles a salary cap.
Fehr's legacy in baseball is the players never accepted a cap, but dealt with more then their share of labor strife under his watch as the MLBPA's Executive Director.