Sources: Bettman Has Suggested Break From NHL Labor Talks

Sources said that NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman on Wednesday suggested to NHLPA Exec Dir Donald Fehr that the "two sides take a two-week moratorium from negotiations." The union today "likely will give Bettman a response." One source said that Fehr "informed Bettman he'd like to speak with his membership first" (ESPNNY.com, 11/15). The NHLPA has "repeatedly taken the position that it would prefer to meet rather than having breaks during the labour dispute" (CP, 11/15).

Meanwhile, Rangers C Brad Richards and some of his teammates will host an on-ice youth clinic at Staten Island Skating Pavilion with two afternoon sessions. Response from the community "has been good" (AP, 11/15). Devils Owner Jeff Vanderbeek is "opening the doors to the Prudential Center for the East Side High School hockey team," whose regular rink has yet to reopen ater Hurricane Sandy (Newark STAR-LEDGER, 11/15).