BLOG: NHL announces Return To Play Plan for 2019-20

EDMONTON, AB - The Oilers will compete for the Stanley Cup in a modified competitive 24-team format unveiled by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman on Tuesday as part of the League's Return To Play Plan.

The top 12 teams in each conference were seeded by point percentages, with the Oilers securing fifth spot in the Western Conference and a date with the 12th-ranked Chicago Blackhawks in a best-of-five Qualifying Round to begin later this summer.

"At the pause, we committed to resuming play only when appropriate and prudent," said Commissioner Gary Bettman. "We are hopeful the Return To Play Plan will allow us to complete the season and award the Stanley Cup in a manner in which the health and safety of our players, on-ice officials, team staff and associated individuals involved are paramount. Accordingly, an essential component of the Plan is a rigorous, regular schedule of testing.

"On the hockey side, the return-to-play format reflects the League's extraordinary competitive balance while honouring the tradition and integrity of the Stanley Cup Playoffs."

With the conclusion of the regular season with today's announcement, Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl is officially the 2019-20 Art Ross Trophy winner as League's top scorer with 110 points (43G, 67A) in 71 games.

Edmonton is one of 10 cities in the running to be selected as one of two "hub" cities for the NHL to host games and team personnel.

The Plan also includes a phased approach for the return of NHL players to their team's training facilities (Phase 2), the commencement of a formal training camp (Phase 3), as well as information regarding the 2020 NHL Draft Lottery.

Read the full details of the NHL's Return To Play Planhere.