NHL players agree to 24-team Stanley Cup playoffs format

May 25 2020, 5:37 pm

The association representing hockey players in the NHL has authorized further negotiations on a version of the playoffs adapted for the pandemic with 24 teams.

On Friday night, the NHL Players’ Association issued a statement saying it’s interested in pursuing further talks on the format that could see a 2020 Stanley Cup winner selected amid COVID-19 mass gathering cancelations.

“Several details remain to be negotiated and an agreement on the format would still be subject to the parties reaching agreement on all issues relevant to resuming play,” the NHLPA said.

The format would exclude the bottom seven teams in the overall league standings from the playoffs. Usually only 16 teams proceed to the playoffs.

It’s not yet known where or when the modified playoffs will take place. They almost certainly will not have spectators because of continuing public health restrictions on mass gatherings.

Megan DevlinMegan Devlin

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