from Emily Kaplan and Greg Wyshynski of ESPN,

As players, executives and fans continue to adjust to the new normal, we will provide updates every week, answering all the burning questions about the various angles of the NHL's relation to the pandemic. Although on-ice action remains on the shelf, there have been some intriguing developments since last week's update. Get caught up on it all here:

What have players and coaches been saying about the 'return to play' format?

Greg Wyshynski: The 24-team, conference-based "return to play" format that was approved by the NHL and the NHLPA last week is being treated by some as a necessary evil and by others as the best the two sides could create in a season truncated by a global pandemic.

"I don't think it was anyone's first choice. I think the first choice was that we finish the regular season," said Montreal Canadiens forward Brendan Gallagher, whose team went from being outside the playoff race to the 12th seed in the East under the approved format. "But this was really the only opportunity that works for the league and the players, in the sense of giving everyone that opportunity and not taking it away from teams with 10 or 14 games left to go. Giving everyone in that mix a chance, and then giving teams like ourselves a second life."

read on for more answers and additional questions...