The NHLPA Executive Board, made up of the team's 31 representatives, officially is still reviewing the NHL's return-to-play proposal but barring a last-minute snag, the players association will approve 24-team playoffs (top four teams per conference play each other, 16 teams have a play in round). Other details, including where the games will be played, health protocol, escrow, timing for resumption of play and 2020-21 start date etc., remain to be ironed out. We could see 2-to-4 hubs with 8-9 teams still in the mix, so backup options exists if necessary. In the US, Vegas and Columbus are prominently mentioned with potentially Edmonton, who has put together a detailed presentation, as to why that city should be chosen, from Canada.

The players opting not to receive their pay check, per below, has an impact on the escrow next season. Shows the players are focused on the future, not just the here and now. Not everyone is the industry is sold on games returning, which we all can understand due to the potential risks and possible extended segregation period away from their families. Those concerns will need to be addressed as part of whatever health protocol is agreed to by both sides and then implemented. Presuming nothing changes, we will see New York-Carolina in the play in round, making Bingo persona-non-grata on this blog (kidding, Bingo, you are always welcome here).

DEVELOPING: The #NHLPA is expected to have at least 18 of the possible 31 votes needed to be approve a 24-team Return to Play proposal put forth by the #NHL (via @TSNBobMcKenzie) - https://t.co/LDTScCEDF5#TSNHockey pic.twitter.com/6btHdzJRfa

— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) May 22, 2020

Further to last tweet, if play begins at the end of July, the Stanley Cup might not be awarded until the end of Sept, though a schedule isn't finalized. Depending on when fans can re-enter arenas, start of the 2020-21 NHL season could begin anywhere from late Nov-Jan (big gap rn)

— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) May 22, 2020

If that is indeed the case, and I believe team by team balloting has concluded or will conclude shortly, it should pave the way for the NHL and NHLPA to perhaps formally announce the RTP format in the coming days.

— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) May 22, 2020

The NHLPA has voted not to receive their final paycheque. Also, while not unanimous (some top teams not loving format), source tells me NHLPA will approve the 24-team playoff. #NHL

— Jason Gregor (@JasonGregor) May 22, 2020

Player reps voting on 24 team playoff format. Vote should last through tomorrow with result possible by tomorrow night. If this passes, PA and league will move on to negotiating outstanding issues; e.g.,health and safety protocols, contract dates, economic/escrow/CBA matters.

— Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) May 22, 2020

We’ll likely hear tmrw if NHLPA's exec board approved 24-team return-to-play format proposal. Still plenty of details to work out after that.

It does appear the NHL is strongly considering a two hub city approach, instead of four. Vegas is a favorite & ideally a Canadian city.

— Emily Kaplan (@emilymkaplan) May 22, 2020

Told that if Columbus is a hub city when the #NHL comes off of its pause, the 532-room Hilton Downtown Columbus - a 5-minute walk to Nationwide Arena - would likely be the Eastern Conference headquarters away from the rink.

— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) May 22, 2020

In case you forgot what ice looked like:

Can't keep Kaapo Kakko off the ice 🥶

(via IG/kaapokakko) pic.twitter.com/o4zvpisnRL

— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) May 22, 2020

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