As the National Hockey League continues to analyze and examine the best possible way for hockey to return, the idea of neutral sites games have apparently been shot down.

The report issued by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said the league has begun looking at other options. One of those, Friedman said, is having one city in each division host games:

The neutral-sites idea looks like a no-go.
Instead, we’re looking at one NHL city per division to resume the season. Teams from that division would be brought to this location. And, it sounds like the plan is to complete the regular season — if possible. One idea, a triple-header per day at each location to get it done in three weeks. The players have to agree.
Looking at the CDC and Canadian information, I could see places like Edmonton, Minnesota and Raleigh being options if the league and the respective governments were willing.

These neutral site ideas were a bit of a stretch in the first place. There were huge loopholes to jump through for smaller arenas, like the one suggested in North Dakota, such as TV cameras and scheduling and other infrastructure needs.

This all, of course, doesn’t even take into account housing players and ensuring the health and safety of all involved.

Like they’ve done from day one of this pandemic, the league is clearly continuing to look at any and every option when it comes to getting games back in front of fans.

On Twitter: @zjlaing

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