NHL and NHLPA finalize protocols for seasons return

The NHL and NHLPA have finalized an agreement on return to play protocols.

After months of speculation, the NHL and NHLPA have finalized a tentative agreement on the return to play protocols for phases 3 and 4, according to Bob McKenzie of TSN. As of Sunday night, both sides are still working the finishing touches to a collective bargaining agreement extension that needs to worked out before a return to play can happen.

Both the Phase 3 and Phase 4 return to play protocols and the CBA extension will need to be approved by the NHLPA executive committee. It will then go before all NHL players for approval, and then finally need to be ratified by the NHL Board of Governors.

For Phase 3, the NHL is targeting July 13 as the day to resume training camps for all 24 remaining teams, and if all goes according to plan, teams will travel to either Toronto or Edmonton on July 25 or 26 to begin Phase 4. Phase 4 will see the 24-team playoff format instituted by the NHL in May, with Eastern Conference teams reporting to Toronto, and Western Conference teams reporting to Edmonton. The Stanley Cup Final will take place in Edmonton, hopefully with the Stanley Cup being awarded in in October.

Any player is free to opt out of the return to play without penalty and does not need to provide a reason but must notify their team within three days of the announced approval. Family members will also not be able to join players in the bubble.

As for the safety protocols, there is no less than 40 pages that all players, coaches, and other staff must follow exactly. Theres obvious like social distancing at all times when possible when outside of game situations, and the NHL will be providing face coverings. However players do not need to wear masks while exercising and coaches do not need to wear them on the bench.

If teams do not comply with the agreed upon protocols, it could lead to “significant financial penalty” and loss of a draft pick.

The return to play protocols also cover having to potentially cancel the season if the COVID-19 virus cannot be contained, as reported by Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet. Hopefully, it won’t have to come to that and the Stanley Cup can be awarded in October as planned.