The NHL and NHL Players' Association have reached a tentative agreement on the protocols and terms of Phases 3 (formal training camps) and 4 (Return to Play plan), according to TSN's Bob McKenzie.
The two sides continue to work on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement, which means nothing is official until the NHLPA executive committee and NHL Board of Governors ratify the package. A full player membership vote will also take place and includes members from the seven non-playoff teams.
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If all goes as planned and the deal is approved, here are the most notable items to circle from the 40-page document:
- Any player that opts out of Phases 3 and 4 will not be penalized in any way, but they must notify their NHL teams in writing three days after the ratification vote is complete.
- There will be a limit of 30 skaters and an unlimited number of goalies in Phase 3, and only players eligible to play in the 2019-20 season resumption are permitted to skate. A maximum of 52 personnel members — a minimum of three coaches and maximum of 31 players — will be allowed to travel for Phase 4.
- Each of the 24 NHL teams in Phases 3 and 4 must submit its list of participating players by Thursday. Formal training camps are expected to open on Monday, July 13.
- Players must undergo a pre-participate medical exam, and if both the doctor administering the exam and the team's infectious disease expert determine that a player is at "substantial risk of developing a serious illness," the player will be deemed unfit to play. The player will, however, be allowed to seek a second opinion.
- If a player who tests positive for COVID-19 or develops symptoms in either Phase 3 or 4, the team is not permitted to share that information with the media or public, absent prior approval from the NHL, in consultation with the NHLPA.
- If an individual leaves the bubble environment in the two respective hub cities without permission, the individual may be subject to consequences up to and including removal. In addition, violations could result in significant financial penalties for the club and/or loss of draft choices, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.
- Players' families will be allowed to join the players for the Conference Finals and Stanley Cup Final, which will be hosted by Edmonton.