We are getting closer to Montreal Canadiens’ hockey coming back, and a lot of information was released pertaining to the return to play protocol, which both players and the league have agreed upon.
It was announced once again on social media by TSN’s own Bob Mackenzie that the NHL and the NHLPA have finalized the protocols for Phases 3 and 4 in the NHL Return to Play Plan. We are still waiting on the CBA, and we won’t have anything official until the memo of understanding has been made, and both the players and the NHL board of governors have voted to ratify it. However, it looks as if Montreal Canadiens‘ hockey is right around the corner.
It was mentioned last Friday that it could have been finalized and that the players would be able to start voting on it on Monday. The rule is they would have 72 hours to vote, but as mentioned, there will only be one vote with everything on it.
Here is some new information that we got on health protocols and rules for the teams to follow once they are in the bubble. Firstly, we finally have an answer to the big question of what happens if a player tests positive for the Coronavirus:
Any player who tests positive for COVID-19 or has a resulting or related illness will be deemed “unfit to play” and it will be an illness arising out of his employment as a hockey player and treated as a hockey-related injury for all purposes under the CBA.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 6, 2020
Any player who tests positive will be deemed unfit to play and will be removed from the NHL bubble. I am also assuming contact tracing will be made to make sure that people who were in contact with the player won’t be a risk to anyone else.
Additionally, they will have to notify team medical staff, self-isolate, and, if necessary, go through further testing protocols. There will be daily temperature checks, and if a player’s test takes more than 24 hours, that player will not be allowed in the club training facility.
In regards to notifying the media about a player testing positive for the virus:
Another clause: “Absent prior approval by the League (who shall consult with the NHLPA), there shall be no disclosure by the Club to the media or to the public of information relating to a positive test result or to a person developing COVID-19 symptoms during Phase 3.”
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 6, 2020
During Phase 3, players are not allowed to skate or train anywhere else, but the club facility and it will be a regular training camp with on-ice/off ice training. Also, all individuals are required to wear face-covering when entering the facility and need to be worn when social distancing is not possible.
There are also penalties enforced for players who don’t comply with the NHL protocols, which could lead to financial penalties and even loss of draft picks. Here is the latest in regards to players who need to leave the bubble for medical or personal reasons.
#NHL players who are authorized to leave the bubble (for medical reasons or extenuating personal circumstances) can return. They will be forced to quarantine on return pending four negative tests over a four-day period - or longer depending on location or circumstances outside.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) July 6, 2020
It’s a lot to process, but we are actually seeing the NHL step up to the plate and try to get this season done in the safest way possible. Dates have been given, but they are tentative and subject to change.
July 13th could be the beginning of Phase 3 training camp with teams reporting to Toronto and Edmonton around the 25 or 26 of July with Phase 4 potentially starting around the first week of August. We are potentially looking at a Stanley Cup being handed out in October and November could be the beginning of the NHL off-season.
A lot of Montreal Canadiens players have started heading back to Montreal for the beginning of Phase 3, and we will keep you posted on everything that happens. Again a major step for hockey, and we honestly can’t wait to drop the puck.