NHLPA executive board approves tentative CBA; players to vote

The NHLPA executive board has approved the tentative collective bargaining agreement and referred it to the membership for a ratification vote, the union announced Tuesday.

Voting for the players will begin Wednesday and the results will be announced Friday. Every player in the league will get a vote, with a simple majority needed to pass the tentative CBA.

The NHL's board of governors also must approve the terms, with a two-thirds affirmative vote required.

The league and players' association came to a tentative agreement on Monday for a four-year extension of the current CBA along with return-to-play protocols for Phases 3 and 4. If ratified, the CBA will run through the 2025-26 season.

Under the agreed parameters, training camps would begin July 13, and teams will travel to their respective hub cities on July 26. The qualifying round of the 24-team playoff format will then begin Aug. 1.

Any player wishing to opt out of the return may do so within 72 hours of the agreement being approved.

Edmonton and Toronto are expected to serve as the two hub cities, with the former reportedly slated to host the conference finals and Stanley Cup Final.