Karl Alzner admits that the players will probably have to end up giving something away in negotiations with the league, but he hopes that it won't have to be too much. "We know we're going to have to take a hit. It's just how big of a hit we need to take," he said. "I think both sides know what their next proposal is, it's just who wants to give it first. The owners know what their bottom percentage is and I'm sure Don [Fehr] knows what's going to be a good one for us economically. But who's going to be the first one to bite the bullet? No one wants to lose the negotiation. We understand we're definitely not going to win it." The players have been adamant through the process about not taking salary rollbacks, but when discussions wrap up and a deal is agreed upon some form of a pay cut will likely occur.