The Scotiabank Arena expected to host teams. John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Toronto front-runner over Edmonton to be NHL hub city

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 6/27/20

While the NHL is set to begin training camps next month, they still have yet to make a decision on which two cities will host teams when they return to action.

With Vancouver out of the running to be the Canadian hub city, things are coming down to the wire between Edmonton and Toronto. TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported Friday that the two Canadian cities were in a close race, but Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman now believes Toronto has the advantage over Edmonton.

Elliotte Friedman on Sportsnet says Toronto is the current front runner over Edmonton for Hub City #2
— NHL News (@puck_report2) June 27, 2020

Edmonton has made a strong push to be the Canadian host and has even proposed an Olympic village-style setup for teams. Oilers Entertainment Group provided details Monday about its proposal, including safety protocols and leisure activities for players, according to TSN's Ryan Rishaug.

OEG making a big push on the safety, and player experience elements in bid to be Hub city. Details below on what they have put in front of the league and the players. (My reporting in point form.) pic.twitter.com/HzDmp4p7ZH
— Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) June 22, 2020

Toronto's bid may be stronger for Eastern Conference teams, though, because it keeps them in the Eastern time zone. Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment also have proposed a campus-like "bubble" similar to Edmonton's.

Players would have access to many facilities including BMO Field, Coca-Cola Coliseum (home of the AHL's Toronto Marlies), the Toronto Raptors' practice facility, and Hotel X, which has 400 rooms, according to LeBrun. MLSE would be willing to add other features such as food trucks and an outdoor movie theatre.

Of American cities in contention, Las Vegas, home of the Golden Knights, has been rumored to be a front-runner to host half of the teams returning to action -- seemingly hosting the Western Conference teams if Toronto is selected over Edmonton.

With players currently skating in small groups ahead of the season restart, they could report for the season at their scheduled hub cities as soon as next month, provided the league has decided to move forward with its plans.

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