CTV News has learned that the NHL Commissioner made a stop in Edmonton and met with officials on Friday.
A city official has confirmed that Gary Bettman was in Edmonton Friday but Bettman himself did not want to comment.
Details are limited about what was on the table for discussion but there is speculation a new arena deal may be developing.
However, hockey fans are not getting their hopes up.
“I don’t think the arena deal really involves the NHL in a real big way," James Stern explained.
The commissioner was seen at Manulife place and has previously expressed support for a new arena.
“The Oilers need a new arena. The city of Edmonton needs a new arena. And I’m hopeful that despite a breakdown in negotiations, reason will prevail and we'll get it to the right place,” he said last October.
CTV News has also heard that Daryl Katz was in the city over the last few days.
An airplane, believed to belong to Katz, left the airport this morning.
The arena project will be back before council next week and fans say they hope to see further progress on a deal.
“I really would like to see a new arena built in the city it would be good for the downtown core and for things to get developed there,” Mike Telford said.
“It would be great to have the downtown district revitalized like that,” Stern added.
“It's not just about the arena it's about all the things that go with it.”
With files from Breanna Karstens-Smith
