NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and the league continue to weigh all options in order to resume play. Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Report: NHL considering two hub cities for return to play

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 5/18/20

While professional sports leagues in Europe are either back in action or resuming soon, organizations in the United States are trying to find ways to resume their seasons safely.

The NBA and MLB have more concrete plans put together than the NHL, but it sounds like NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, the teams and players are actively discussing ways to resume the season.

In more recent developments, the NHL and the players association have made progress on a 24-team playoff format which could include some regular-season games before the postseason begins, The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun said according to CBS Sports.

With this format, teams would more than likely have to play at a neutral site, and the idea of having two hub cities is gaining momentum, according to TSN's Bob McKenzie.

Nothing firmed up yet obviously but two hub cities instead of four is generating some buzz in discussions amongst teams. Las Vegas, for example, where an entire hotel/resort could be dedicated to the NHL and with easy access to the arena. https://t.co/PI8Se7MJsV
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) May 18, 2020

The NHL has a Board of Governors call on Monday at 3 p.m. ET, and the league has reportedly been targeting a late June/early July date for when it can resume.

If and when hockey can return, Bettman added that players will need at least three weeks of training camp before the league officially begins again. This would hopefully prevent injuries and allow players to get their skating legs back.

The NHL has yet to re-open team practice facilities, so a late-June start is on the more optimistic side of the spectrum, and although progress can be made quickly, the league will need to make sure coronavirus risks for all players, staff and employees involved is low.

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