The Islanders, Rangers, and Devils could have hockey players back in team facilities soon -- with plenty of precautions.

The NHL, which paused its season on March 12 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, released a memo Monday saying it is targeting early next month as the start date for Phase 2 of its return-to-play protocol, including the opening of practice rinks and allowing small, voluntary group workouts on and off the ice.

Players would be tested for COVID-19 before returning and then have their temperatures checked on a daily basis.
They would be allowed to practice on the ice and use weight room in groups of no more than six.    
Interactions with coaches and team staff would be limited.
Players will also have to wear masks except during workouts. "Players are not required to wear face coverings when they are exercising or on the ice," the memo said.

The plan does not say when the NHL season will resume. Should the NHL return sometime this summer, it's almost certain teams will be clustered in hub cities across North America -- Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto and Las Vegas are believed to be in the mix -- with games being held in empty arenas.

The Stanley Cup has been awarded every year since 1893, save for 1919 because of the Spanish flu outbreak, and 2005 when a lockout led to the cancellation of the entire season.

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