When — not where — is set for NHL camps

July 10, normally a date when NHL activity begins winding down after the playoffs, draft and free agency, is now a launch date for post-season training camps.

In a joint release, the league and players association have agreed full camps can commence on that day — at last a hard date on a calendar most have been guessing at since play halted on March 12.

Yet, it remains to be seen if the proposed 24-team tournament with its late summer target date will begin as planned. With COVID-19 recovery still overshadowing the entire world’s timetable, the league must move cautiously and in concert with the union. The latter wants to negotiate a safe environment in which to play and train over several weeks at camp and in the two tournament hub cities.

Thursday’s statement did advise that camp will go ahead only “provided that medical and safety conditions allow and the parties have reached an overall agreement on resuming play. The length of camp and therefore the start date for formal resumption of play will be determined at a future date.”

With Canada currently insisting on a 14-day quarantine for anyone arriving, the Montreal Canadiens, Winnipeg Jets, Edmonton Oilers, Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames could face issues and opt to hold their camps in the States.

The Canadiens, in particular, do not have a large amount of players in town yet, and those coming in do not want to sit around their residence for two weeks unable to train.

In Toronto, about 20 players have arrived or will soon clear quarantine, so going south is unlikely. Top scorer Auston Matthews and Frederik Andersen have yet to arrive from the U.S., hoping the federal government relaxes the rule and the practice rink can be considered a quarantine haven rather than sitting out 14 days.

Another possible avenue for Canadian cites hoping to be hubs would be an agreement for enhanced daily COVID testing of arrivals, to be done at the Canadian clubs’ expense.