from Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun,

Daly said in an email to QMI Agency Tuesday that NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr is trying to bide his time to see if he can get his best deal for the players when the loss of the whole regular season is truly on the line.

But Daly also admitted a meeting wouldn't solve much because the NHL isn't going to go any further than the offer tabled two weeks ago in New York as the massive losses continue to mount for both sides.

"It disappoints me and saddens me because it's just more days lost," wrote Daly. "But, I'm not sure what meeting does from our side. There is nothing left to give and its clear Don is aiming toward a 'deadline' showdown."

Whether the league is going to give Fehr a deadline is up in the air. There has been talk Bettman is getting ready to give Fehr a "drop-dead" date to save a 48-game schedule in the near future. It may be required to get back to the table.

NHL officials believe Fehr has told the players to be patient and the NHL will bend.

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