NHL makes movement on buyouts, contract length in new proposal:source

TORONTO – The NHL has presented a new proposal to the NHL Players’ Association.

A source says the league’s offer calls for player contract limits of six years. The owners had previously been seeking five.

It also includes one compliance buyout per team that would count against the players’ overall share in revenue but not against the salary cap.

Deputy commissioner Bill Daly declined comment when asked about the proposal.

There are no plans for the two sides to meet.

It’s been two weeks since representatives from the league and union last sat down together.

The 104-day lockout has seen all regular-season games cancelled through Jan. 14 and it’s believed a deal needs to be reached by then to salvage a 48-game schedule — the minimum commissioner Gary Bettman says must be played.