Key Differences of the NHL's Latest CBA Proposal

In what appears to be an attempt from the NHL to prevent a disclaimer of interest by the Players' Association (or, more likely, an empty gesture which can be used in court as "evidence" that the league tried to negotiate with the Union), the league reportedly presented the union with a new CBA offer Thursday night.

While there aren't many details leaking just yet, we do have some information as far as what has changed from the previous offer, some of which the league is considering "concessions." Reports so far seem to indicate that the players feel the moves are not significant enough.

Let's examine a few of the differences from the previous offer and the details of the newer offer that have leaked...

• Proposed maximum of 5 year contracts changed to 6 years (7 if signing a player your team drafted)
• Font changed from 12pt Times New Roman to 11pt Calibri.
• 10 percent variances in salaries per year, as opposed to 5 percent from previous offer
• Previous offer printed on Staples® Copy Paper, new offer on HammerMill® Copy Plus Copy Paper.
• One-time amnesty buyouts are on the table
• New offer adapted to Chicago Manual of Style, away from the APA Style of previous offer.
• The right of players to decline White House invitations is formally recognized in the new offer, but Tim Thomas would be banned from commenting on Yahoo! articles.
• Bill Daly has unfortunately pulled back on his offer to go die on a hill somewhere.

The NHLPA is reportedly in the process of drafting their counterproposal. It is unclear whether the league considers this a "take it or leave it" offer, or if they are ready to come out of their room and act like big kids in order to entertain counterproposals.