Hockey | NHL | News Story - NHL talks still in recess as lockout threat looms

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NHL talks still in recess as lockout threat looms

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National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman speaks to reporters about on going labor talks with the NHL Players Association outside the league's headquarters in New York, Tuesday, July 31, 2012. The current collective bargaining agreement ends on Sept. 15, and the NHL season is scheduled to open on Oct. 11. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

(AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

NEW YORK (AP) NHL labor talks remain in recess five days after negotiations broke down, and 10 days before the league has threatened to lock out its players.

There has been no word from either the NHL or the NHL Players' Association as to when negotiations will resume. The current deal is set to expire Sept. 15.

Talks broke off Friday after the two sides traded counteroffers.

Union chief Don Fehr said the NHLPA's proposal did not bear fruit. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman accused the union of stonewalling.

Concerns are being raised that NHL players - including Evgeni Malkin and Alex Ovechkin - could be heading home to Russia and play in the event of a lockout. The Russian-based Kontinental Hockey League is prepared to welcome NHL players with open arms.

Updated September 5, 2012

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