But it also contains an array of new restrictions on player movement and team payrolls, all of which the union opposes, and which still threaten the approval of any deal.
Another restriction on player salaries: The collective bargaining agreement between owners and players prevents contracts from being renegotiated at any point during the life of the deal.
If Carter's appeal could truly cut into the consciousness of a hockey nation over the long haul, would not investors in Ottawa or Montreal eventually give credence to N.B.A. teams in their own cities? Finally, one of the main issues fought for and won by owners in the last round of bargaining was more restrictions on player movement.
"The NFL has all different types of rules," Mnuchin said, pointing to the many restrictions on player conduct that teams put in place, and the teams' ability, within certain constraints, to punish players who violate those rules.
It advocated greater revenue sharing, wage-bill caps and restrictions on player transfers, and suggested block exemptions as a way of reconciling these measures with EU competition law.
While players typically spend most of the game in a specific position, there are few restrictions on player movement, and players can switch positions at any time.
In another aspect of the medical issues, the clubs' negotiators agreed to eliminate the geographic restriction on players getting a second medical opinion.
Sanctions could include a period of reduced income from media rights and sponsorship, a points deduction and restrictions on player transfers.
Indeed, the true legacy of the lockout — a harder salary cap, a more punitive luxury tax and new restrictions on player contracts — has yet to be deeply felt.
Another group of clubs, including Fulham, believe there should be no restrictions at all, while another group, including Sunderland, want the controls to stop at short-term restrictions on player wage increases.
