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NHL and NHLPA agree to Return to Play protocols
Photo credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
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:
Opt outs and roster sizes
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.
#Flames won't be able to have Connor Mackey participate in Phase 3 camp. He's not eligible to play in Phase 4.
The Phase 3/4 RTP protocol is a 40-page document. Some of the details are as follows: A limit of 30 skaters in Phase 3 with an unlimited number of goalies; Only players eligible to play 2019-20 resumption permitted to skate in Phase 3;
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.
Testing!
There is obviously a large section on testing, that includes all players and club personnel being tested 48 hours prior to any individual returning to club training facilities and on an every other day basis after that, with all results being available with 24 hours.
The number of people scheduled to be tested daily in #NHL bubble is incredible. List includes: any player/coach/staff member, officials, ice crew, security, hotel bartenders, food service staff, arena food and beverage, hotel housekeeping, hotel kitchen staff, transportation.
Another clause: “Absent prior approval by the League (who shall consult with the NHLPA), there shall be no disclosure by the Club to the media or to the public of information relating to a positive test result or to a person developing COVID-19 symptoms during Phase 3.”
Back of the napkin math for number of tests:
- Qualifying Round/Round Robin: 1,248 team personnel
- Conference Quarterfinals: 832 team personnel
- Conference Semi-Finals: 416 team personnel
- Conference Finals: 208 team personnel
- Stanley Cup Final: 104 team personnel
The opening of Phase 3 and 4 is likely to be quite the gong show.
Other stuff
Face coverings are required for all individuals who enter a club training facility for Phase 3. Where social distancing cannot be maintained within the facility, face coverings are required other than when player is exercising or on the ice.
NHL coaches won't be required to wear face coverings on the bench.
We know more about the protocol for phase 3 and 4. Player families will be permitted to join the Player for the Conference Finals and Stanley Cup Final. Families will be permitted to share hotel rooms.
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.
What’s next?
Presuming fairly swift ratification:
- July 13: Phase 3 begins
- July 26: Moving to hub cities
- August 1: Phase 4 competition begins
We’ll have more on Return to Play and the pending CBA extension in the coming days.
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