CBA extension talks are expected to resume once the league returns to a sense of normalcyGETTY IMAGES
There is "one growing sentiment at least some share" about how the NHL must navigate the coronavirus crisis, and that is for the league and union to "find long-term CBA stability out of this to mitigate these turbulent times," according to Pierre LeBrun of THE ATHLETIC. There have been "on-again, off-again CBA extension talks over the past year, on hold now for obvious reasons, but they will resume at some point," as the NHL's business "cannot afford any kind of stoppage in two years" when the current CBA expires. LeBrun: "The business will need stability to build itself back from this damage." NHLPA Exec Dir Don Fehr said, "I hope it all impacts it positively. ... When you go through trying and difficult times maybe it can create bonds that weren't there before." LeBrun notes given the "real-life crisis in front of all of us, if there was ever surely a time for the NHL and NHLPA to find labour peace, it is now." LeBrun: "Really, they have no choice" (THEATHLETIC.com, 3/31).
ON THE TABLE: In Denver, Mike Chambers wrote for the "seemingly unified" NHL and NHLPA, canceling what was left of this season "doesn't seem like much of an option unless the government demands it." Both sides "would rather push back the season into the summer, and that began in earnest last week when three big offseason events in June were cancelled or postponed" (DENVER POST, 3/30). In Tampa, John Romano noted the "working theory right now is that if teams can get back on the ice sometime in May, there is a path forward" for a two-week training camp followed by two to three weeks of regular-season games. That "would allow the postseason to start by late June or early July." Then, the '20-21 regular season "could be tightened to eliminate the All-Star Game and some off-days to ensure an 82-game schedule." Romano: "Just the notion that all of this is on the table and being discussed is an indication of how serious league officials are about having a postseason" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 3/30).
