Jun 12, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) hoists the Stanley Cup after defeating the San Jose Sharks in game six of the 2016 Stanley Cup Final at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
The NHL and the Players’ Association agreed to a tentative deal on returning to play, which also includes tentative agreement on a four-year extension of the collective bargaining agreement. If both are ratified by owners and players, games would resume on August 1st, with the NHL going straight to its expanded 24-team playoff format. The hub cities for play will be Canada’s Toronto and Edmonton for the qualifying round and at least the first two playoff rounds.