The stalemate between the NHL and NHLPA may last longer than expected, possibly stretching into the month of December.

Sources told ESPN that commissioner Gary Bettman suggested to NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr on Wednesday that the two sides take a two-week moratorium from negotiations. 

Fehr informed Bettman he'd like to speak with his membership first, a source said. The union likely will give Bettman a response Friday, although it is believed it would prefer meeting.