NHL teams can reopen training facilities for voluntary workouts Oct. 15

On Thursday, the NHL unveiled protocols for offseason training ahead of the 2020-21 regular season that will be held amid the coronavirus pandemic. 

As Emily Kaplan noted for ESPN, NHL clubs are permitted to open in-market training facilities on Oct. 15 for voluntary workouts. At least five players must notify a team about intentions to train before the club opens its facilities, and a maximum of 12 players are permitted on the ice at the same time. 

Everyone must return a negative COVID-19 test before entering a facility. Those participating in voluntary training will be tested twice per week. A player who tested positive for the coronavirus at any time will also undergo cardiac screening. 

Strict social-distancing guidelines are encouraged, and those not actively skating or working out must wear masks or similar face coverings. Nonessential personnel, such as media and family members, are banned from facilities during offseason training. 

The NHL hasn't yet announced an official start date for the upcoming campaign. The American Hockey League won't resume play until Dec. 4 at the earliest. 

One thing the NHL can't control is the ongoing border closure that, as of Thursday, would prevent players and staff from traveling to and from Canada without quarantining. Major League Soccer has gotten around this by first scheduling a tournament held in Florida and then placing Toronto FC, Montreal Impact, and Vancouver Whitecaps in temporary homes in the United States. The Toronto Blue Jays relocated to Buffalo for the 60-game MLB regular season. 

Canada hasn't made any quarantine exceptions for professional athletes since the start of the pandemic. 

The Tampa Bay Lightning hold a 2-1 lead over the Dallas Stars in the Stanley Cup Final that will conclude no later than Sept. 30.