NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly acknowledged the excitement around the unique divisionGETTY IMAGES
NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said there has been no discussion to keep the all-Canadian division past this season, noting it has been actually “quite the opposite.” Daly, during an appearance on Sportsnet, said, “From a league perspective, there’s a desire to resume our regular alignment as quickly as we possibly can.” Daly acknowledged there was a “level of excitement” in Canada for the division because “there are a number of aspects about this season which are unique, but which add interest and are quite compelling.” He said, “The all-Canadian division aspect is one of those, so I get it. I just think from a league-wide perspective ... we are one league. We’re not a league that exists north of the border and a league that exists south of the border” (“Tim & Sid,” Sportsnet, 1/7).
PLAYING AT HOME: In Ottawa, Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators and Maple Leafs were "officially given the green light to play their games at the Canadian Tire Centre and Scotiabank Arena respectively this season" when the province of Ontario signed off on the health and safety protocols that have been in place by the two teams. The NHL head office felt it had an agreement with all five provinces on Dec. 24, but the paperwork "had to be put in place by everybody before it was official." Ontario Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism & Culture Industries Lisa MacLeod "worked closely" with Senators President of Business Operations Anthony LeBlanc and MLSE Chief Venues & Operations Officer Nick Eaves to "put a plan in place that would satisfy health authorities." The expectation is there "won’t be any fans this season," and both clubs are "focusing season ticket efforts towards next year." The Senators and Leafs have both "agreed to participate in a public relations campaign to promote a safe return of minor sports" (OTTAWA SUN, 1/8).
