Collective bargaining talks between the NHL and the NHL Players' Association are ''recessed''.

That's according to Don Fehr, the executive director of the Players' Association.

Fehr says the NHL requested the hiatus after the union presented its latest proposal.

The union attempted to address the fourth year of its initial offer, but Fehr said the league was unwilling to do that.

The NHLPA plans to remain in New York for the next two weeks and will be willing to restart negotiations whenever the league is ready.

However, Fehr said either side could restart talks and the he expected neither ''would stand on ceremony.''

The CBA expires Sept. 15 and the league has said it will lock out its players if a new agreement isn't in place by then.