Sports

Among other things, the NHL is reportedly asking for the players share of the revenues to be reduced from 57% to 46%. They also want five-year entry-level contracts, and raise the number of years required before a player becomes an UFA from seven to 10. "I think the only thing I can say is it's a first offer," Schneider said. "It's a starting point. We're going to consider it and figure out what our counter proposal is going to be. Yes, it is a little shocking when you first look at it but, again, that's how negotiations work. You aim high and then try to move back from there. There is going to have to be a lot of give and take for us to come to an agreement, so we're not too worried and we're not panicking right now. We're just going to take it one meeting at a time." He added that it's still too early to bet on a lockout. There's still plenty of time for the league and union to work something out.