NHL and NHLPA agree to Return to Play protocols

We’re a step closer to Return to Play. On Sunday night, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly confirmed to the Associated Press that the league and the NHLPA have agreed to protocols for Return to Play.

Once the collective bargaining agreement extension is finalized, the Board of Governors and NHLPA will hold votes to ratify the whole package (or not).

Here’s what’s reportedly in the Return to Play protocols:

Players will have three days after the Return to Play and CBA package is ratified to opt out (without penalty) from Phase 3 and 4 participation. Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston estimated that the NHLPA vote likely won’t be concluded until Friday, so players would have until July 13 to inform their clubs in writing of their opting out.

Additionally, players will be given medical examinations during Phase 3 intake. They’ll check to see if any players have any conditions that would cause substantial risk of complications in the event they contract COVID-19. These players would not be permitted to play (but can ask for a second opinion).

In camp, teams are allowed 30 skaters and unlimited goalies.

Once players are in, they’re expected to stay in. All of the insiders mentioned big penalties for teams whose players violate the bubble – including fines and the potential for lost draft picks.

Back of the napkin math for number of tests:

The opening of Phase 3 and 4 is likely to be quite the gong show.

Also worth noting: the playoff fund has been bumped up to $32 million, up from the usual $16 million. There are 24 teams involved, up from the usual 16 teams, and they’re being sequestered in a freakin’ bubble. It’s a reasonable concession for players taking some risks being involved. (Players on teams that only play the Qualifying Round get $20,000 each.)

Finally, can they just throw in the towel? Yes. If either the league or the players believe that proceeding with Phase 3 or 4 will result in material harm to player health or the integrity of competition (due to emerging conditions, like an outbreak) they can petition league and commissioner can make a judgement after consulting with the NHLPA’s Executive Director.

Presuming fairly swift ratification:

We’ll have more on Return to Play and the pending CBA extension in the coming days.