NHL releases details regarding moving to Phase 2 of Returning to Play

The NHL is ready to move onto phase 2 of their Return to Play protocol and have released a extremly detailed 21-page document regarding any and everything related to getting back on the ice.

With limits on how many players on the ice, how the coaches can be involved, all the health and safety protocols, this comprehensive document was broken down by the best in the business. Take it away, Pierre:

``Based on the current information available, we are now targeting a date in early June for a transition to Phase 2.'' - NHL memo reads (again, for small group workouts)

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) May 25, 2020

``Based on the current information available, we are now targeting a date in early June for a transition to Phase 2.'' - NHL memo reads (again, for small group workouts)

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) May 25, 2020

More from NHL memo: ``We again emphasize that Player participation in Phase 2 is strictly voluntary. In addition, Clubs are not permitted to require Players to return to the Club’s home city so they can complete a quarantine requirement in time to participate in Phase 2.''

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) May 25, 2020

The NHL/NHLPA Phase 2 agreement stipulates 6 players max in a practice facility at once; the on-ice sessions with players only, no coaches or other personnel allowed on the ice

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) May 25, 2020

Re: testing: ``As an over-riding principle, testing of asymptomatic Players and Club personnel must be done in the context of excess testing capacity, so as to not deprive health care workers, vulnerable populations and symptomatic individuals from necessary diagnostic tests.''

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) May 25, 2020

In short, lots of guidelines and protocols regarding small-groups workouts at team facilities once Phase 2 officially begins (sometime in early June). Nothing in the document about training camp (Phase 3) or return to play (Phase 4). Just Phase 2.

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) May 25, 2020

Of note: Players and team staff will be given a COVID-19 nasal swab test two days before starting Phase 2 training, and then will be tested at least twice per week afterwards. They must also self-administer a temperature and symptom check every day.

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) May 25, 2020

No coaches on the ice is a touch surprising. The players will begin to hit the ice as early as next week. For more information and for the complete document, click here.

Photo Credit:  Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire