Report: NHL reveals key dates for 2020 playoffs, offseason

Key dates for the Stanley Cup Playoffs and ensuing offseason within the NHL and NHLPA's Memorandum of Understanding have been revealed, TSN's Frank Seravalli reports.

All dates are subject to change due to the ongoing pandemic, Seravalli adds, but are currently as follows:

• July 31: Beginning of qualification round
• Aug. 9: Start of Stanley Cup Playoffs
• Oct. 2: Last possible day of Stanley Cup Final
• Oct. 6: 2020 draft (must follow end of playoffs and precede free agency)
• Oct. 9 (or seven days after conclusion of final): Start of free agency
• Nov. 17: Opening of training camps for 2020-21 season
• Dec. 1: Beginning of 2020-21 regular season

Interestingly, the free-agent interview period has been abandoned under the new CBA, according to Seravalli. Instead of having a few days to set up face-to-face meetings with players before signings can actually occur, clubs can only call players as of 12:00 p.m. ET the day free agency opens.

The NHL and players' association tentatively agreed Monday to a four-year CBA extension that included all necessary return-to-play protocols. Each union member will vote on it, with a simple majority needed to pass the deal.

The league's board of governors will also vote, requiring a two-thirds affirmative result to officially ratify the agreement.