I don't think it'll be a big fight from the union. Less draft $$ = more free agent cash = more union $$. That said, if they go with a hard slot, other changes need to be made to the system. Right now your HS draftee can go to college, and your college juniors and juco guys can also go back. If there is a hard slot with no other tweaks, those guys can go back to school if they feel they fall too far. They'd need to adopt something like the NFL where, once you declare eligible, there's no going back. Maybe the team gets to hold the player's rights without limit if they offer a contract.