Toronto Maple Leafs News: NHL Finalizes Return To Play Plans

We now know for certain when the Toronto Maple Leafs will return.

The Toronto Maple Leafs (and hockey in general) is back! For real this time! Maybe!

The hockey world was set abuzz again Monday evening as the NHL and the NHLPA released a joint statement stating that they have reached a tentative agreement on a collective bargaining agreement extension running through 2026.

This agreement, coupled with the now finalized return-to-play protocols, have paved the way for the highly-anticipated 24-team playoffs that will see the Toronto Maple Leafs and 23 other teams compete for Lord Stanley’s Cup.

Players have the option to opt-out if they do not wish to compete, citing health, family, or safety concerns. If they are taking the option, they must notify their club by 5pm on Tuesday, July 7th. There will be no penalties to any club or player who wishes to not take part.

Here’s the up to date list of critical dates to remember and circle in your calendar:

• July 13th: Start of training camps
• July 26th: Teams travelling to Hub cities (or Secure Zones as the NHL has chosen to officially label them)
• August 1st: Start of the Qualifying Round

Not yet scheduled is the date of the NHL’s second Draft Lottery, though it will presumably be given a prime-time slot in the schedule once the Qualifying Round is concluded.

The NHL, at this time, intends to conclude the playoffs by early October. The NHL Entry Draft is presumably in late October, as Free Agency is set to begin November 1st, and the 2020-21 NHL season will presumably commence in January.

Life In The Bubble

Toronto and Edmonton are the designated cities for the NHL’s Return-To-Play Plan. The Secure Zones will be tightly controlled and there will be strict penalties (including possible loss of draft picks) if any members of any team exit the bubble.

Teams can travel with up to 52 people in their party. This includes a maximum of 31 players, three coaches, two athletic trainers, one equipment manager, one physician, a massage therapist, chiropractor and/or physiotherapist, one security representative, one representative to serve as each team’s “compliance officer”, and one content creator or social media representative.

Player and staff families will be permitted to join the bubble, provided they pass a round of COVID-19 testing and adhere to all other protocols, during the conference finals and Stanley Cup Finals.

Physical distancing will be encouraged in all common areas, particularly between members of opposing teams and masks will be mandatory at all times except when players are in their rooms, exercising, or on the ice. Coaches will not be required to wear masks during games either.

Testing will be present and constant at all stages of Return-To-Play. In fact, most people inside the Secure Zones will be tested and temperature checked on a daily basis and includes protocols for individuals such as officials, arena staff, housekeeping, transportation staff, food service staff, ice crew, and NHL/NHLPA staff.

Comprehensive protocols are in place for player entertainment, housekeeping, compliance checks, and in the area of highest importance: what do we do if someone tests positive?

Keep in mind that these plans are still tentative and subject-to-change pending a full membership vote by the NHL Player’s Association, which is expected to occur over the next couple of days.