Back On The Ice

The NHL and NHL Players Association have agreed to protocols to open training camps and resume the season in Toronto and Edmonton. A new six-year Collective Bargaining Agreement extension was also agreed upon.

Among The Details: 

— Teams will have 52 people in the bubble, including owners, players, coaches, executives and staff. Each team also needs at least one physician, one compliance officer, and one content creator/social media member.

— COVID-19 testing will occur daily for everyone in the team bubble, but also any people who might come into contact with them like hotel housekeeping and bartenders. That could be more than 2,000 tests daily.

— Both the NHL and NHLPA have the ability to postpone, delay, move or cancel games. Teams could be fined or lose a draft pick if compliance is broken and players who refuse testing will not be allowed to play. Players can opt out of playing without penalty.

— Along with teams having their own designated hotel floors and access to pool and fitness areas, the NHL will plan league-approved excursions, like golfing. Player families will be able to join the bubble for the Conference and Stanley Cup Finals in Edmonton. Until then, the NHL will offer families assistance like grocery delivery and errand delivery services.