Informal Labor Talks Resume Between NHL, NHLPA

NEW YORK (AP) - Representatives from the NHL and the players' association held informal negotiations on Friday at the league offices.

With the expiration date on the current collective bargaining agreement - Sept. 15 - drawing near, NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr, and his top assistant and brother, Steve Fehr, sat down with Commissioner Gary Bettman and his deputy, Bill Daly, for a status check after a week of little to no communication. The two sides last held formal discussions last Friday, but those ended with Donald Fehr telling reporters the talks were in a "recess."

Players have often flanked the Fehrs for support in the process, and Friday was no different. Winnipeg defenseman Ron Hainsey, Minnesota forward Zenon Konopka and Buffalo defenseman Robyn Regher were on hand in New York.

The league has said it will lock the players out if a new deal isn't reached by the 15th.