Here’s the weekly open thread for this week, with the major headlines.
Mon 7/6
The Buffalo Sabres are always a part of the 8-team NHL Prospect Tournament, but the 2020 edition has been canceled by the hosts Detroit Red Wings due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The NHL and NHL Players’ Association have a tentative agreement on Phase 3 and 4 protocols that will allow teams to open training camps and resume the 2019-20 season, all in two bubble cities – Toronto and Edmonton, with the latter hosting the Stanley Cup Final.
In the longer term, the two parties are also close to putting the finishing touches on an all-encompassing new six-year Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Per Pierre LeBrun, the NHL is still planning on a full 82-game season for 2020-21, starting in December or January. Reminder, the Sabres last played a competitive game on March 9th, 2020.