The NHL as of yesterday afternoon had "still not started narrowing down the list of potential hub cities from 10," according to a source cited by Chris Johnston of SPORTSNET.ca. Tied to that decision is the "status of a mandatory 14-day quarantine period for anyone entering Canada, which stands as a barrier to playing games" in the country. NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said that discussions are "ongoing with the federal government about whether that might change." The NHL and NHLPA also "haven't signed off any protocol covering Phase 3, much less established a date for camps to start, and are engaged in discussions on a potential extension" of the CBA, which "may or may not be needed to see the 2019-20 season concluded amid a pandemic" (SPORTSNET.ca, 6/8).
SLOW & STEADY...: In Toronto, Damien Cox wrote the NHL has "deliberately given itself a long runway with which to work." That "gives it the best chance for this somewhat improbable plan to actually come to fruition." Hockey is "not soccer, golf, motorsports or baseball." It has a "unique set of challenges as a full-contact sport played indoors in a relatively small area." Cox: "Slow is the only way to go" (TORONTO STAR, 6/8).
BOYS OF SUMMER? In Denver, Mike Chambers wrote playing the Stanley Cup Playoffs through the summer months "might not be a one-time affair." Chambers: "I'm hearing the NHL is looking into permanently beginning its 6 1/2-month regular season in late November or early December -- or possibly not until January." The league "likes the idea of growing the game after the NFL and NBA seasons are complete and when baseball is traditionally the only major sport in-season." This summer and the next, the Stanley Cup Playoffs "could be played through the summer." If it works well, "expect the schedule to stick" (DENVER POST, 6/6).
TEAMS' REOPENING PLANS:
- The Islanders' practice facility yesterday "reopened for voluntary small-group workouts" as Phase 2 of the NHL's "Return To Play" plan officially started. A "limited group of players" participated in yesterday's workout at Northwell Health Ice Center. Meanwhile, the Rangers "plan to reopen the MSG Training Center in Tarrytown" beginning today (N.Y. POST, 6/9).
- The Golden Knights yesterday "opened City National Arena for small group training activities but kept the deadbolt locked." Fans and the media were "prohibited from entering the building and left to get a hopeful glimpse from across the street" (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 6/9).
- The Lightning "took care of the necessary medical testing and will hit the ice" today. The team "hopes to use their facilities at both Amalie Arena and the TGH Ice Plex in Brandon" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 6/9).
- The Hurricanes "made the decision to wait" to reopen team facilities. A team official yesterday said that there were "about seven or eight players in the area, but by mutual agreement they would continue to train on their own for now" (Raleigh NEWS & OBSERVER, 6/9).
