TSN’s Bob McKenzie is reporting that the NHL and NHLPA have struck a deal on Phase 3 and Phase 4 return-to-play protocols, paving the way for a possible resumption of the season with a 24-team playoff beginning in early August. The NHL and NHLPA continue to negotiate terms to a new six-year CBA.
Once both are agreed to, the return-to-play protocols and CBA will need to be ratified by both the NHLPA executive committee and a simple majority of all NHL players.
NHL and NHLPA have finalized tentative agreement on RTP Phase 3/4 protocols but are continuing to work on finalizing the details of the CBA MOU.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 5, 2020
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;
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 6, 2020
Sportsnet and TSN have gotten ahold of the return-to-play protocols which includes some really interesting details.
First, if a player leaves the bubble without permission (for instance, to go to a bar where members of the general public are present), both the player and team will receive a hefty punishment. According to Elliotte Friedman, players may be kicked out of the playoffs and their teams will be fined and lose draft picks.
Return to Play Stage 4 states, "Individuals leaving…without permission may be subject to consequences up to and including removal." In addition, "violations…will result in, for clubs, significant penalties, potentially including fines and/or loss of draft choices."
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 6, 2020
I’m guessing the Dallas Stars will be keeping a close eye on Alexander Radulov.
Players that do get permission to leave may return to their teams after quarantining and having four negative tests over a four-day period.
#NHL players who are authorized to leave the bubble (for medical reasons or extenuating personal circumstances) can return. They will be forced to quarantine on return pending four negative tests over a four-day period – or longer depending on location or circumstances outside.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) July 6, 2020
Players’ families will be allowed to join during the Conference Finals and Stanley Cup Final in Edmonton.
#NHL Phase 4 protocol says players’ families will be allowed to join for Conference Finals and Stanley Cup Final in Edmonton and will be allowed to share hotel rooms.
That means players advancing will go a minimum of five weeks away from their families.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) July 6, 2020
NHL coaches will not be required to wear masks on the bench.
NHL coaches won't be required to wear face coverings on the bench.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 6, 2020
There will be no dress codes to games, meaning Ovi can wear sweatpants over his jeans.
NHL teams will have no dress code in effect during Phase 4.
Finally, @ShawnMcKenzieSN gets his wish and he won't be able to see what threads players choose when not required to wear a suit to games.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 6, 2020
Groceries will be delivered to players.
When NHL players are away from home during Phase 4, team personnel will assist with grocery delivery and errand delivery for their families, as needed.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 6, 2020
There will be snacks!
Each NHL team will have its own designated floor of a Phase 4 Secure Zone hotel, with players getting their own rooms. Teams "may, to the extent possible, be provided with additional space on their floor for access to single-wrapped snacks and single-serve beverages."
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) July 6, 2020
Social distancing is required… in the pool!
Oh hell yeah: "The hotel pool, if open, is permitted for use by all individuals at the Secure Zone Hotel, so long as individuals can socially distance, both in and out of the pool." #NHL pic.twitter.com/GwPWWRZfeA
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) July 6, 2020
Teams will be required to bring at least one social media employee with them inside the bubble for the playoffs. (We’re available if you need us, Capitals.)
Every NHL team is required to bring at least one content creator/social media employee with them inside the bubble during Phase 4.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 6, 2020
Everyone inside the bubble will be tested daily including security, hotel bartenders, food service staff, and hotel staff.
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.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) July 6, 2020
NHL players who do not want to participate in the playoffs will need to notify their teams by 5 PM on Tuesday. Players will not be penalized.
NHL players have until 5 p.m. ET on Tuesday to notify their teams they're opting out of participating in Phase 3 or 4, under the protocols tentatively agreed upon by the NHL and NHLPA.
There is no penalty for doing so.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 6, 2020
Of course, given that it's July 5 and these protocols still have to be voted upon as part of the larger NHL RTP package, it's plausible the July 7 deadline could be pushed back.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 6, 2020
But July 7 was the opt-out deadline listed in the Phase 3/4 protocols circulated to NHL teams today.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 6, 2020
Teams and players will not be allowed to disclose positive tests to the media unless it’s approved by the NHL and NHLPA.
If a player tests positive for COVID-19 or develops symptoms in either Phase 3 and 4, teams are not permitted to share that information with the media or public absent prior approval from the NHL (in consultation with the NHLPA).
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 6, 2020
Finally, if a player contracts coronavirus, he will be deemed “unfit to play” and it will be treated as an “illness arising out of his employment as a hockey player.”
Any player who tests positive for COVID-19 or has a resulting or related illness will be deemed “unfit to play” and it will be an illness arising out of his employment as a hockey player and treated as a hockey-related injury for all purposes under the CBA.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 6, 2020
Headline photo: Elizabeth Kong/RMNB
