41.   A source told The Associated Press the sides have agreed to a rookie cap, although specifics have not yet been worked out.

42.   Among the issues discussed Thursday were a rookie salary cap, salary arbitration and free agency.

43.   Among the issues discussed were a rookie salary cap, salary arbitration and free agency.

44.   Among the issues on the table are the rookie salary cap, salary arbitration and free agency.

45.   At a three-hour afternoon session, management gave details of proposals it made last week on salary arbitration and a rookie salary cap.

46.   Because of the new labor deal, the draft will be held with a rookie salary cap for the first time.

47.   Both sides have agreed on certain concepts, but the gap is considerable on the issues of salary arbitration, a rookie salary cap and free agency.

48.   Both sides agree that a rookie cap is needed to stem the recent rising tide of salaries.

49.   But the players said the sides were close on the rookie cap and free agency.

50.   Canadian Press sources said the sides had tentatively agreed on contentious issues such as salary arbitration, the rookie salary cap and the reopening of the contract.