For the first since time the NHL began its return-to-play plan, Vegas might no longer be a lock to be one of the league's hub cities. Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY NETWORK

Vegas no longer a front-runner to be NHL hub city?

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 6/30/20

Many hockey insiders viewed Las Vegas as a front-runner to be named one of two hub cities for the 24-team model to crown a 2019-20 Stanley Cup champion amid the coronavirus pandemic; until today.

On Tuesday afternoon, TSN's Frank Seravalli tweeted that coronavirus spikes in the Vegas area have the NHL reconsidering the city. Instead, the league could leave the United States out of the mix and pick Edmonton and Toronto:

For the first time in more than a month, sounds like Vegas is no longer a frontrunner to host an #NHL hub city. Spike in COVID-19 numbers in Vegas appears to have put a damper on their bid.

As @TSNBobMcKenzie reported, very possible both hubs cities are in Canada : TOR and EDM
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) June 30, 2020

After local health officials reportedly had a role in the league removing Vancouver from consideration last week, Alberta Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw appeared to be on board with Edmonton welcoming NHL personnel this summer.

As of the end of June, all indications are the only thing preventing MLB's Toronto Blue Jays from hosting teams at Rogers Centre by July 23-24 is opposing teams having to travel to and from the U.S. when the Canadian border is closed to non-essential travel through at least July 21. MLB and health officials are still looking for ways around current quarantine guidelines that request those entering the country self-isolate for two weeks.

That wouldn't be an issue as it concerns NHL players and staff members who will remain inside a site's "bubble" for weeks at a time.

Seravalli added nothing is definite with Chicago still in play among available candidates:

As usual, It's been difficult to be definitive on any reporting with regard to hub cities and return to play. It's all been fluid. But that's the way the wind has been blowing today.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) June 30, 2020