NHL players prep on their own for season that is expected to start Jan. 19 and last 48 games

Minnesota Wild NHL hockey players, including Devin Setoguchi, foreground, listen to instructions from an organizational instructor after they returned Monday, Jan. 7, 2013, for an informal workout at the Xcel Arena in St. Paul, Minn., for the first time since a tentative agreement was reached in the NHL lockout. (AP Photo/Jim Mone) (The Associated Press)

Detroit Red Wings forward Todd Bertuzzi, outlines a workout for other players at the Troy Sports Center in Troy, Mich., Monday, Jan. 7, 2013. While lawyers work on putting a new collective bargaining agreement on paper, NHL players have a little more of a sense of urgency during informal workouts they've been putting together during the lockout. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) (The Associated Press)

TROY, Mich. – NHL players have been skating in an attempt to get in shape for the hockey season. Finally, they know their efforts aren't going to be wasted.

The framework of a new collective bargaining agreement was reached on the 113th day of the lockout Sunday morning. Just 24 hours later, players were working out together at rinks across North America knowing that games are on the horizon.

Informal skates led by players have suddenly assumed greater urgency as the start to the season nears while lawyers work on putting a complicated deal on paper.

It's also time for NHL players overseas to make plans to come back to rejoin their teams in the league.

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