The NHL and the players' association took a big step toward returning to the ice, but it could mean the Sharks' 2019-20 season is over.
The NHLPA announced Friday night that it has "authorized further negotiations with the NHL" on a 24-team return to play format.
The NHLPA Executive Board has authorized further negotiations with the NHL on a 24-team return to play format, subject to reaching an overall agreement with the League on resuming the 2019-20 season: https://t.co/SIzQYyooEE pic.twitter.com/9TftmApiGJ
— NHLPA (@NHLPA) May 23, 2020
As the players' association noted, the sides still have more details to work out before the league officially can resume the season that was suspended in March because of the coronavirus pandemic.