Despite a recent influx of positive COVID-19 cases among players and staff across the league, the NHL is not considering pushing back the tentative July 10 start date for training camps, sources told The Athletic's Michael Russo and James Mirtle.
On Friday, the Tampa Bay Lightning shut down their training facilities amid Phase 2 of the league's return-to-play plan after three players and two staff members tested positive.
Not long after, the NHL announced 11 players out of 200 administered tests league-wide have seen positive results since June 8 - the start date of Phase 2.
The current phase allows teams to host voluntary on- and off-ice training sessions at their home facilities for a maximum of six players. The opening of training camps for the 24 teams that qualified for the expanded playoffs will mark the start of Phase 3.
The NHL and players' association are yet to finalize agreements on the return-to-play plan. Among their biggest upcoming decisions is selecting two logistically viable hub cities that can safely host 12 teams along with staff and families.
