Jamal Mayers sees the NHLPA standing it's ground on the maximum contract lengths as the players protecting their middle class. The logic is that if superstars can't get the security that comes with a long-term contract, they'll instead demand more money per season. That would leave teams with less cap room to spend on other players. Meanwhile, the NHL has insisted that this is an issue they won't cave on. All the same, Mayers thinks that the two sides are close to an agreement. "It can't be understated how close we are," Mayers said. "For the NHL to think it was take it or leave it is unrealistic."