League and Players sign extension to return to play
The NHL and the NHLPA were able to ratify the CBA on Friday.
NHL commissioner Gary Betman announced Friday that the league and its players reached for the 2019-2020 season and beyond.
The CBA extension runs through 2026 and allows the NHL to move forward with the 24 team tournament that will be take place in Toronto and Edmonton this summer.
The NHLPA voted 79% in favour of the agreement according to insider reports.
Under the new CBA players will defer 10% of next years salary.
The agreement also includes that the salary cap will remain at 81.5 million according to Sportsnets Chris Johnston.
Players will have until Monday at 5pmEST to opt out of the return to play.
If they choose not to play there will be no penalties so long as players inform their team by the deadline.
The timeline for return to play will be as follows:
- Training camps start July 13th.
- July 26th teams arrive at hub cities.
- July 28-30 exhibition games.
- August 1st qualifiers begin.
- August 11 first round of playoffs begin.
- August 25th second of playoffs
- September 8th conference finals
- September 22nd Stanley Cup Finals
