There's been some confusion out there about the potential start of NHL training camps for the 24 teams in Phase 3: both the NHL and NHLPA, subject to negotiation, are hoping for mid-July still for start of camps...
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Training camps targeted for mid-July (and the Flames may be in the USA)
Photo credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
As Phase 2 of the NHL’s Return to Play protocols kicks off this week, we’re getting a little bit of clarity about what plans are looking like for the transition to the next stage. Phase 3 of the protocols is the beginning of training camps, which according to The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun is still looking like mid-July.
The most recent official direction from the NHL on the subject is that camps won’t open before July 10. It has yet to be determined through negotiations whether camps will be two weeks or three weeks. Two weeks would put the beginning of the qualifying round in late July at the earliest, while three weeks would push it into early August.
The lack of clarity regarding timelines and the current two week quarantine in place in Canada for those returning from outside the country has led the Calgary Flames to explore potentially holding camp outside of town. Per Sportsnet’s Eric Francis, the Flames have reportedly looked into plans for having camp in the United States.
"I don’t want guys coming back to Calgary and sitting on their butts for two weeks in their condos and being out of shape when it’s time to go again." @EricFrancis has more details on the Flames' training camp plans: sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/fla…
As plans for the NHL’s hub sites become clearer in the coming weeks, it might nudge the Flames in one direction or another. It makes no sense for them to get through any local quarantine protocols and a full camp in one country if they’re going to be playing in another.
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