NHL players agree to 24-team Stanley Cup playoffs format

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 cancellations.

“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 NHLPA Executive Board has authorized further negotiations with the NHL on a 24-team return to play format, subject to reaching an overall agreement with the League on resuming the 2019-20 season: https://t.co/SIzQYyooEE pic.twitter.com/9TftmApiGJ

— NHLPA (@NHLPA) May 23, 2020

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

• See also:
  • Canucks would play Minnesota Wild in NHL’s planned 24-team playoff format
  • Alberta premier makes case for Edmonton to host NHL games in letter to Gary Bettman
  • Sportsnet is rebroadcasting the entire Canucks-Leafs playoff series from 1994

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.

Vancouver, Edmonton, and Toronto are among the teams in Canada bidding to be a hub city to host games, while many insiders believe that Las Vegas is a frontrunner to host games.