[sureLoss]

http://espn.go.com/blog/nhl/post/_/i...asons-schedule

It has been well publicized that as part of accepting the 3-on-3 format proposed by the NHL, the players wanted the Friday night player draft axed.

But another key item gained by the players in these negotiations was some extra time off in the grinding regular-season schedule, a source told ESPN.com.

The league and the NHLPA have committed to building a "five-day bye week" for each team into the schedule next season. The league will schedule one for each club between Jan. 1 and Feb. 28 next season.

Players won’t have to report for practice until after 4 p.m. on the fifth day if they have a game on the sixth day, a source said. If the players don't have a game on the sixth day, they would have the entire fifth day off.