The NHL is still more than a week away from determining a return-to-play format, a person familiar with discussions told The Associated Press on Tuesday.
And what that plan resembles could be complicated further should the U.S. and Canada extend border restrictions to non-essential travel into July, the person said, speaking on the condition of anonymity because the discussions are private.
There's also a question of how travel restrictions will affect players, many of whom have returned to their off-season homes -- including about 17% of players currently self-isolating overseas. Players and owners split hockey-related revenue on a 50-50 basis, with a percentage of players' salaries placed in an escrow fund. Owners can draw from the fund should their share fall below 50%, which is projected to happen this season.
The decision on when and how to resume the season is being left with a committee made up of representatives of the NHL and NHL Players' Association. There is no set deadline as to when play must resume before the NHL considers cancelling the season. Games could feasibly be played into October with the 2020-21 season potential opening in December or January.
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