On Friday, the players’ association ratified the protocols governing the restart of the season and the extension of the collective bargaining agreement, which will be in effect until September 2026. Thus, the hockey corporation restarts its mechanisms and begins a new chapter in the NHL.
An Ambitious Comeback Plan
The return of the NHL is one of the most ambitious sports projects this year. All other sports, resumed after the pandemic, are held outdoors. Of course, there is also the NBA, whose players are gathering in Orlando. However, the NHL will have to provide the necessary conditions, not in one but two cities. Also, there are more teams then in basketball.
Hamonic – the First and the Last One to Drop Out?
The NHL allowed hockey players to refuse to participate in the final game of the season if they do not feel safe – such a refusal should not carry any penalties or disqualifications.
The bravery of the Calgary Flames defender Travis Hamonic deserves respect. He was not afraid to refuse to participate. The reason for this was the ill health of his daughter, caused by the coronavirus. Brad Treliving, the general manager of the team, was sympathetic to his decision and, at least in words, supported the player.
No Cheating
Besides, in the new chapter in the NHL, hockey players win an increase in the minimum salary from $ 700 thousand to $ 750 thousand and more strict observance of the prohibitions on an exchange – now this right will “travel” with the hockey player, which was not the case before. It is worth recalling that in 2016, Montreal sold P. K. Subban to the Nashville 48 hours before the defender’s trade ban came into effect, and the Predators then refused to comply with that paragraph, sending Subban to New Jersey in three seasons. Now such deals will become impossible.
You can also read What’s the Toughest Hockey Position to Play?
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