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.
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One step closer to Leafs hockey as the NHL and NHLPA agree on Return to Play protocols
By Jon Steitzer
Jul 5, 2020, 21:50 EDTUpdated: Jul 5, 2020, 21:51 EDT
We’re still not there with the CBA…yet, but the league and PA have slapped together 40 page document which will define what summer hockey looks like.
The entire package — RTP and CBA — will need to be ratified by NHLPA executive committee and then a full membership vote but no ratification will take place until the CBA MOU is complete. Also will require ratification by NHL Board of Governors.
So yeah, it’s ready, but we’re still in a holding pattern until the CBA is ready as well. It seems like they could be voting in the next couple of days, but we also heard they could be voting Saturday, and we’re getting close to July 13th start date for training camps, which could potentially be delayed if this doesn’t come together soon. I’m going to be optimistic about this, as all it will take is the ratification to occur before the 13th and we’re golden.
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;
So that seems like a bit more than initially expected, when it seemed like it could be 30 players total, not 30+ goaltenders. Putting together a guess at what the camp invite list looks like, here’s what I was able to quickly throw together…
L | C | R | D | G | |
Hyman | Matthews | Marner | Rielly | Ceci | Andersen |
Mikheyev | Tavares | Nylander | Muzzin | Holl | Campbell |
Clifford | Kerfoot | Kapanen | Dermott | Barrie | Woll |
Agostino | Engvall | Spezza | Sandin | Liljegren | Kaskisuo |
Robertson | Gauthier | Malgin | Rosen | Scott* | |
Johnsson* | Brooks | Korshkov | Kivihalme | ||
Petan | Marincin |
Perhaps it is wishful thinking to put Johnsson on that list, same with Scott, but the rest seem likely options, though Korshkov or Kivihalme might be dropped in favour of experience in players like Aberg or Gravel, even if they aren’t likely to part of the Leafs future.
Any player may opt out of Phase 3 and Phase 4 without penalty of any kind, but must make that decision and notify his club in writing by no later than 5 p.m. ET on July 7; Each of the 24 NHL clubs in Phase 3/4 must submit list of participating players by no later than July 9.
It’s great that this is an option, but I can’t imagine many key players taking the league up on this. As far as the Leafs go, players like Cody Ceci or Tyson Barrie who are pending unrestricted free agents and might not want to do anything to jeopardize that situation could opt out. Or perhaps players like Denis Malgin who have been with the Leafs a short time and unlikely to return next season. I’ve probably already speculated too much. If a player decides to opt out for any reason, I hope we don’t shame them for putting their health and livelihood first.
It’s also nice that we know we’ll have a roster to work with by later this week.
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.
If the test result is unavailable within the 24-hour period, the individual is not permitted to remain in club training facilities until such time that the test comes back negative.
There will be daily temperature and symptom checks for individuals at home (less than two hours before going to the training facility) and upon entry to the training facility.
NHL coaches won't be required to wear face coverings on the bench.
The NHL is now targeting a July 13 start date for training camps, sources told ESPN. If all goes according to plan, teams would travel to the hub cities on July 25 or July 26 and games will begin by Aug. 1.Family members will not be able to join players in the bubble until the conference finals, a source says, and if teams do not comply with the protocols, it could lead to “significant financial penalties” and potential loss of draft picks.
I guess no Western Conference players will be sneaking out to partake in that famous Edmonton nightlife.
And finally, and probably most importantly…
Every NHL team is required to bring at least one content creator/social media employee with them inside the bubble during Phase 4.
Hey Western Conference Teams, I’m already here in Edmonton. Hit me up for this.
It looks like it should be an exciting week of Board of Governor and Players Association votes, and we’ll likely see a lot more of the details of both the Return to Play and the Collective Agreement find their way to the public. For now we can take comfort in the fact that hockey does appear to be close to returning and we can go back to yelling about sports soon.
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