from Pierre LeBrun of ESPN,

Speaking to a large throng of media here before an NHLPA charity hockey game at the former Maple Leaf Gardens, NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr was asked why bargaining has not resumed this week.

"Because the owners have not indicated a desire to resume," Fehr said. "We've indicated any number of times that we're willing to resume whenever they are without pre-conditions.''

NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly, reached by ESPN.com via email Wednesday evening, said the league is willing to resume talks under the right conditions.

"We haven't said we won't meet, but we certainly would want to know what the agenda is and how they intend to proceed,'' Daly said.

Daly created a buzz earlier Wednesday when during a Hockey Night In Canada radio interview he was asked for a simple yes or no answer to whether he thought there would be a season this year. He responded "yes.''

"That's good news," Fehr said when told of Daly's affirmative answer. "I'm glad to hear that. I certainly hope he's right. That's the players' goal, that's what we want to try and do.

"Hopefully, we'll get back together and negotiate out the remaining issues as soon as possible."

read on