The NHLPA has voted not to receive their final paycheque. Also, while not unanimous (some top teams not loving format), source tells me NHLPA will approve the 24-team playoff. #NHL
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NHLPA expected to approve 24-team playoff format, reports say
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
By Zach Laing
May 22, 2020, 19:27 EDTUpdated: May 22, 2020, 19:35 EDT
The NHLPA is expected to pass a 24-team playoff format, reports from OilersNation’s Jason Gregor and TSN’s Bob McKenzie say.
While last night’s NHLPA executive committee conference call got a little heated at times, and various individual players still have a wide variety of views on the NHL’s RTP format, the exec committee vote by team is expected to result in NHLPA approval of the NHL plan.
The vote began Thursday and is expected to finalize Friday. While Gregor reported some teams aren’t fans of the format, McKenzie said that an NHLPA conference call “got a little heated at times” Thursday night. 18 votes from 31 reps are needed to pass.
Toronto’s PA rep is Zach Hyman, with John Tavares operating as an alternate.
Once the NHL has an official answer from the NHLPA, TSN’s Pierre LeBrun added the league has its own process to go through. An official announcement is expected in the coming days.
The proposed format would see the top four teams in each conference would play each other with the other 16 clubs going through a best-of-five play-in round. The league is working through the process of selecting hub cities to play games out of in a central manner.
The format would see the Leafs play the Columbus Blue Jackets with the winner facing the Boston Bruins.
On Twitter: @zjlaing
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