The five provinces that are scheduled to host NHL games this season are requesting that the league implement additional COVID-19 testing procedures as well as consider using the "bubble" model in order for Canadian teams to play in their home arenas, according to TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger.

Dreger adds that if another bubble isn't an option for the NHL, a delay to the season may be an option.

The NHL needs green lights from the health authorities in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec in order for Canada's seven NHL teams to play in their home arenas as part of the realigned North Division.

Earlier Wednesday, Dreger reported that provincial reps met on Monday and again Wednesday morning and are expected to respond to the league and NHL Players' Association as a group, which is viewed as encouraging by some clubs.

As things stand, all seven clubs in the Canadian division for the upcoming 2020-21 season are unsure if they will be allowed to play regular season games in their home arenas this season.

TSN Senior Hockey Reporter Frank Seravalli previously reported last week that if all parties are unable to sort out the details, the options for the seven teams include an Edmonton hub city bubble or moving to the United States for the season.

The NHL announced they are targeting a Jan. 13 start to the 2020-21 regular season with camps opening early in the new year for teams who participated in the summer's Return to Play and late December for the teams that did not.