NHL brass plays the waiting Game
League still hoping it can resume play but needs go-ahead from health authorities
The NHL updated its board of governors on Monday afternoon, but there may have been more questions about the coronavirus pandemic than answers.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and deputy commissioner Bill Daly held a conference call with the 31 owners to update them on what route they may take with the rest of the schedule, depending on when the U.S. Centers for Disease Control gives them the go-ahead to return to play and where the league stands as a result of this shutdown.
Losing the rest of the season and playoff revenue, if those games can’t be played, would be a big hit financially, so Bettman and Daly remain focused on trying to finish the season and awarding the Stanley Cup, if at all possible.
While Bettman and Daly have spoken with individual teams since the league’s board of governors decided to pause the season on March 12, this was the first chance they’ve had to speak as a group. A disease control expert from New York addressed the group, as well.
The general managers will hold a similar call on Tuesday.
The CDC recommended earlier this month there be no mass gatherings for at least two months, and the NHL indicated in a news release on Monday it remains hopeful it can reopen with a training camp at the end of next month.
“The form and format of resumption of play scenarios will depend entirely on what transpires between now and when we’re permitted and able to resume — and, ultimately, on timing and taking into account logistical constraint,” the league said Monday. “We’re going to have to be flexible and react to events as they unfold, as well as the best medical advice available.”
And, the league hasn’t ruled out playing in empty arenas for television purposes if health authorities say it’s OK.
“It’s premature to say what the circumstances would be for resumption of play, but we are prepared to follow the direction of relevant health authorities,” the release said.
At this point, two unnamed Ottawa Senators are the only confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the league.
The NHL indicated in the release the two Sens who tested positive had only “mild symptoms” and both are “currently in isolation.” The league said the Senators have reached anybody who may have come in close contact with the infected individuals and that all necessary precautions are taking place.
“The Senators medical staff identified persons who might have had close contact with the athletes during the relevant time period ( just before and during the period when the players were symptomatic),” the league said. “Senators players and staff have been isolated and instructed to monitor their health and to seek advice and care, as necessary, from club medical staff.”