NHL players take big step toward 24team playoff

The NHL Players’ Association’s executive committee on Friday authorized moving forward in talks with the league on returning to play from the coronavirus suspension, approving 24 teams making the playoffs with other aspects still to be negotiated.

The Sharks, who stand 29th in the standings, would be among seven teams excluded from the playoffs.

In giving the format the green light, the NHLPA stressed several details need to be negotiated before games can begin.

The proposal will go to the NHL board of governors, which is expected to approve the plan in the next few days.

Under the plan proposed by the NHL/NHLPA Return To Play committee, the top four teams in each conference would play each other in a minitournament for seeding while the remaining 16 teams face off in a bestoffive series playin round to set the final 16 to compete for the Stanley Cup.

Though the approval is considered significant, the task of establishing a path to getting players back on the ice remains challenging.

The next step would have the Return To Play committee sort out a host of other issues, ranging from health and safety protocols to determining where games will be played, with the league preparing to group teams in a number of hub cities.

Las Vegas has become the city most mentioned as a potential site. Other cities mentioned include Columbus, Ohio; Nashville; Raleigh, N.C.; St. Paul, Minn.; and Edmonton, Alberta.