It seems the NHL has landed on its preferred return to play format amid the COVID-19 outbreak, and has essentially lobbed the ball into the players’ court.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported Wednesday night that the NHL and NHLPA are working away at the details of a 24-team, conferenced-based tournament that will see to a conclusion on the 2019-20 season.
A timeline on when the resumption of play could return is still unknown.
According to this format, the top four seeds in each conference will automatically advance into the traditional 16-team structure, while the remaining 16 teams will compete in a play-in round to determine the Stanley Cup playoffs bracket.