CHICAGO – The head of the NHL players’ union said Monday that negotiations on a new collective bargaining agreement will begin “very quickly” – perhaps as early as this week – and didn’t rule out talks stretching into the season.

New NHL Players Association executive director Donald Fehr said negotiations will begin after Wednesday’s meeting of the NHLPA’s executive board, though he did not specify a date. He was in Chicago for three days of union talks.

The NHL canceled the 2004-05 season before a labor deal was reached that included a salary cap for the first time. The agreement expires Sept. 15.