NHL, NHLPA agree to protocols for camps, games

The NHL and NHLPA have agreed to a set of protocols for Phase 3 (training camp) and Phase 4 (games) of the league's Return to Play plan.

The agreement is still contingent on an overall vote to return to play. The agreement to return to play is part of a package with the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, and the package must pass through three votes to be ratified -- a vote by the NHL's Board of Governor's, a vote by the NHLPA's executive committee, and a vote by all NHLPA members.

Edmonton and Toronto would be the two hub cities, with Edmonton hosting the Western Conference and Toronto hosting the Eastern Conference. The Stanley Cup Final would be held in Edmonton.

If the league and players vote to resume the reason, here are some of the protocols teams must follow for training camps and games:

• Players may opt out of training camps or games and face no penalties for doing so. If a player wishes to opt out, they have until three days after the ratification vote to notify their team in writing.

• If a team doctor and team infectious disease expert determine that a player would be "at substantial risk of developing a serious illness as a result of exposure to the novel coronavirus," they will not be permitted to take part in training camp or Phase 4.

• If a player tests positive for coronavirus during either phase, teams will not be allowed to make that information public unless they receive approval from the NHL and NHLPA.

• There will be a limit of 30 skaters and unlimited goaltenders allowed to participate in training camps.

• There will be a maximum of 52 people for each team in the hub cities. Teams must have a minimum of three coaches and can have up to 31 players.

• Players must take their temperatures and complete a symptom check two hours before arriving at the facility for training camp, and they will go through another temperature/symptom check once at the facility.

• No fitness testing will be allowed during training camps.

• Players participating in training camps will not be allowed to work out or skate at any other public facility other than their team's facility.

• Coaches will not be required to wear face masks while behind the bench in Phase 4.

• There will be no dress codes for players when arriving to the arena in Phase 4. Suits won't be required as they typically are.

• Families of players will not be permitted to enter the hub cities until the conference finals or Stanley Cup Final.

• When teams move into hub cities and families of players remain behind, team personnel will be available to assist the families with groceries and other errands.

• Each team must bring a member of the social media/content creation team to the hub city.

• If teams do not comply with the protocols, they could be hit with financial penalties or lose draft picks.