
The NHL and NHLPA have finalized the protocols for the season to resume this summer in Edmonton and Toronto, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly told ESPN.
As of Sunday night, the sides are still finalizing the details for a memorandum of understanding for a collective bargaining agreement extension.
The Phase 3 (training camp) and Phase 4 (24-team tournament) return-to-play protocols will need to be approved by the NHLPA's executive committee, which is comprised of one representative from each of the 31 teams. Once that is done, the entire package -- both the return-to-play protocol, as well as the CBA extension -- will go to a full membership vote of all NHL players. The NHL's board of governors must also ratify the package.
The NHL is now targeting a July 13 start date for training camps. 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. The Eastern Conference teams will play in Toronto, while the Western Conference teams will be in Edmonton.
The 24-team tournament will conclude with a Stanley Cup Final in Edmonton, likely in early October.
The protocols include an agreement that no player will be penalized if he chooses to opt out, and he does not have to give a reason for wanting to opt out. Players have until 5 p.m. ET on Tuesday to notify their teams if they are opting out.
Family members will also not be able to join players in the bubble until the conference finals, according to a document containing the protocols.
According to the document, "all individuals shall maintain physical distancing (a minimum of 6-foot distance) at all times throughout Phase 4, to the extent possible" -- which includes on planes and buses, at restaurants and any social circumstances. The league will provide face coverings, though individuals may bring their own, and they must be worn at all times in the secure zones. Players do not need to wear face coverings while exercising, and coaches do not need to wear them while on the bench.
If teams do not comply with the protocols, it could lead to "significant financial penalties" and potential loss of draft picks.