NHL training camps won't begin before July 10

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The NHL informed its players on Thursday that organized training camps won't begin until at least July 10, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

Training camps are part of Phase 3 of the league's return-to-play plan, which commissioner Gary Bettman outlined Tuesday in an announcement that also included the groundwork for a 24-team playoff.

Phase 2 of the league's plan, expected to commence in early June, will involve players returning to their home facilities in small groups and voluntary on- or off-ice training.

The NHL paused the campaign on March 12. It officially called an end on Tuesday to the 2019-20 regular season. The league remains adamant it won't proceed with its plans until respective civil authorities deem it safe to do so.