NHL players hold an important vote regarding pay and the 2019-20 season

Just yesterday, Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares spoke candidly with Sports Illustrated's Alex Prewitt about the challenges facing the NHL and the NHLPA regarding its plan to resume the 2019-20 season.

“Certainly there’s still a priority to finish the regular season and play the playoffs,” Tavares explained, but went on to highlight the obstacles in the way. “Guys understand how fortunate we are to play a game for a living, and if we have that opportunity, we would be very excited about that, especially knowing the state the world is in, and the positivity that could bring back,” Tavares said. “But, at the same time, the health and safety measures have to be at the highest of standards.”

Tavares, of course, is a member of the NHL's Return to Play committee along with Connor McDavid, Mark Scheifele, James van Riemsdyk and Ron Hainsey. As a group they've been working closely with the NHL on a possible return to action. But, again, there are so many considerations to make before the players can hit the ice.

One big decision, "Do we get paid?"

NHL players have reportedly held a vote regarding their final April paychecks and have agreed to push any decision on that paycheck until at least the end of May. 

Check it out:

Oh... boo hoo, right? The millionaire athlete has to give up one measly paycheck, right? Well... yes. But also, we may not want to think about it but the NHL could be in a dire financial situation once the dust settles on everything. If the players elect to forgo their final checks, it could have a real tangible impact on the league's bottom line. 

It'll be interesting to see what the NHLPA decides and how it impacts the league's financial operations moving forward.