NHL, players approve plan to resume season, extend CBA

Pro hockey's return is potentially three weeks away, and with it an assurance of labor peace through September 2026.

In separate votes anunced Friday, NHL board of goverrs and members of NHL Players’ Association ratified a return-to-play plan slated to have games begin in Toronto and Edmonton, Alberta, on Aug. 1.

voting process also included both sides approving a four-year extension to current collective bargaining agreement which provides league a comprehensive path out of ecomic challenges raised by new coronavirus pandemic.

agreements were tentatively agreed to on Monday , and approved nearly four months to day since NHL halted its season with 189 games remaining.

Barring a setback, hockey is scheduled to resume with an expanded 24-team playoff format involving top-12 teams in each of Eastern and Western Conferences, beginning with a qualifying round and first two rounds played in Cana. If all proceeds as planned, Stanley Cup Final would begin in late September, and 2020-21 season opening in December.

24 teams can w plan to open training camps on Monday, which will also serve as a deline for players to opt out of competition without penalty. teams are n scheduled to travel to ir respective hub cities on July 26.

Im credits: AP