The lack of information leaking out of the NHL's labor negotiations the past few weeks is compelling evidence that both sides believe they're moving toward an agreement.

There is a stronger indication that teams, including the Penguins, are preparing to get back in business: They are trying to fill staff positions that were allowed to become or remain vacant during the lockout that has shut down the league since Sept. 15.

The Penguins are seeking candidates to fill six jobs: Corporate sales service manager/executive assistant, game night producer, game night manager, game entertainment and marketing editor, group sales account executive and inside sales representative. The latter is an example of a position for which more than one person might be hired.

The Penguins' openings, along with those of several other teams, are posted on the league's Web site, NHL.com.

"We're just trying to prepare for the potential of business as usual," said Tom McMillan, the Penguins' vice president of communications. "We think it's time to start stocking up, because [getting people hired and trained] doesn't happen overnight."

In addition to the apparent progress in negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement -- no one on either side of the talks has said much for public consumption lately -- clubs are about to enter a new fiscal year, which might be another factor in the decision to fill vacant jobs now.

The CBA negotiations are ongoing in Toronto, and there is growing sentiment inside the industry that, barring an unexpected setback, an agreement will be worked out by early July.

Lawyers have been drawing up the CBA piece-by-piece, as elements of it are agreed upon, so the deal should be ready for ratification by the NHL Players' Association's 700-plus members and the league's Board of Governors shortly after all the details have been worked out.