Two U.S. mediators could not break the stalemate between the NHL and NHLPA, as a second day of talks ended Thursday without progress on a labour agreement to end the lockout, which began Sept. 16.
"After spending several hours with both sides over two days, presiding mediators concluded that the parties remained far apart and that no progress towards a resolution could be made," NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said. "We are disappointed that the process was not successful."
The mediators met with small groups of negotiators in Iselin, New Jersey.
It is unclear when the two sides will convene again, or what steps would be taken.
NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr had said earlier that a number of options were open.
The NHL Board of Governors meets Wednesday in New York, and the labour standoff and further action will likely be the main topic of discussion.
