from Frank Seravalli of TSN,

Two separate but inextricably linked negotiations have bogged down the National Hockey League’s announcement on hub cities and fixed dates as hockey marches toward a return to the ice.

The first involves the details on the hub cities, the multi-layered safety protocol, testing, and bubble/lifestyle restrictions, as well as training camp procedures.

The second revolves around an extension to the Collective Bargaining Agreement – a near financial and economic prerequisite to return to play given the lost revenue as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The players owe the owners hundreds of millions of dollars because they are responsible for a 50-50 revenue split and have already been paid 90 per cent of their compensation for the season.

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