UPDATE:

Oilers defenseman Mike Green has informed Ken Holland that he will be opting out of the Return To Play. The defenseman appeared in just 2 games for the Oilers before sustaining a knee injury.

The Oilers dealt a condition 2020 4th round pick for Green, that could become a 3rd based on playoff performance. That will now not be an issue as he will not appear in the post season.

In reality, Green was still a #7 on this team and should have been behind Matt Benning on the depth chart regardless. What this means now is that should another right shot fall to injury, it's more likely now that Evan Bouchard will receive a look.

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Over the past couple of weeks, an abundance of information has been sent our way regarding the state of the 2019/2020 post season. We have watched Hub Cities come and go, rumours of what will and won't be included in a new CBA. Finally Oilers fans, for the first time since March 11th when Edmonton played their last game of the season against the Jets, we know when we will be watching our next hockey game.

Plan your summer vacation accordingly, the Edmonton Oilers will play the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Play-in Round on August 1st at Rogers Place.

The schedule breaks down as followed:

August 1st: Blackhawks @ Oilers
August 3rd: Blackhawks @ Oilers
August 5th: Oilers @ Blackhawks
August 7th: Oilers @ Blackhawks
August 8th: Blackhawks @ Oilers

I find the inclusion of a potential back to back game scenario intriguing. Decades ago this was something that was done and it's an idea I actually really like. Right now it's being done due to the obvious time constraints but I wouldn't hate seeing back to back games in the early rounds in the years to come.

In addition to making the 2019/2020 playoffs official as well as the Hub Cities, the bigger news is the fact that this is all part of the new League CBA which will run from now until the beginning of September 2026. No lockout talk for a long while again!

A major element of this CBA is the fact that we will likely not see a cap increase for the next couple of seasons due to the loss of revenue. A more fun addition is the fact that it looks like players will be able to take part in the 2022 and 2026 Olympics. Oilers fans who dreamed of seeing Connor McDavid take on the role of Captain Canada will likely be getting their wish.

A few other important dates that of course could change:

- The League is expecting the Stanley Cup Finals to be finished by no later than October 2nd

- Free Agency would start a week after that so tentatively October 9th

- Currently the NHL Draft is set for October 6th

- With all that being said the League is eyeing December 1st as a start date for the 20/21 season

Players also are allowed to opt out of these playoffs between now and 5PM ET on Monday. Already Calgary Flames defenseman Travis Hamonic has opted out due to familial reasons. Any player who opts out, whether due to family or health concerns should not receive any kind of abuse. I have nothing but respect for Hamonic for making a tough decision.

Over the next couple weeks I'll be spacing out the remainder of my Oilers Report Cards (Benning is up next), but soon enough we will be able to discuss the Oilers training camp, line combinations, and a matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Hockey is back folks!

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