Canadian health officials’ approval of the NHL’s return-to-play proposal has led the league to consider designating one or more cities north of the border to serve as hubs for its 24-team playoff format.

The uncertainty raised by the pandemic is expected to deliver a big short-term blow to the NHL’s financial bottom line.

Prime Minister says his government is “open” to the NHL operating a playoff “hub city” in Canada as long as it is allowed by local health authorities.

After unveiling the final details of its 24-team plan if the season is able to resume this summer, the league said teams could reopen facilities and players could take part in limited, voluntary workouts beginning Monday.

Among the unknowns about the NHL returning amid the pandemic is what the on-ice product might look like.

The NHL Players’ Association’s executive committee authorizes moving forward in talks with the league on returning to play from the coronavirus suspension, approving 24 teams making the playoffs with other aspects still to be negotiated.

“The executive board of the NHLPA has authorized further negotiations with the NHL on a 24-team return to play format to determine the winner of the 2020 Stanley Cup,” the NHLPA said in a statement Friday night.

The NFL’s success virtually drafting players and uncertainty surrounding the hockey this season have led to the possibility of the NHL holding its draft before awarding the Stanley Cup.