NHL doesn’t want to disrupt 2020-21 season

Despite whatever happens over the few months when it comes to the 2019-20 hockey season, the NHL says they don’t want to disrupt any action in the 2020-21 season.

The statement came from the NHL’s Bill Daly, who told TSN’s Pierre LeBrun they’re still hopeful for a full-season next year.

“The only definite for us is we certainly don’t want to do anything around a resumption of play this season that will impact our ability to have a full season next year,” Daly said.

In recent days, there have been suggestions from NHL front offices want a 24-team playoffs, with a best-of-three play-in while players have stepped up suggesting the hope of playoffs being played in the summer. 

While the league is clearly trying to exhaust all options for hoisting a Stanley Cup this year, it’s also clear they want a full season next year. More important than all of that is the health of the world over these next six months and beyond.

It’s clear the COVID-19 pandemic is very real and could have lasting impacts, and it’s hard to say when this virus will truly be under control. Thus making it difficult for the league when they’re trying to come up with solutions.

On Twitter: @zjlaing