Not so fast

One NHL general manager cites the issues that must be dealt with before the season can swing back into action

Washington Capitals General Manager Brian MacLellan knows resuming the 2019-20 NHL season amid the novel coronavirus pandemic has brought more questions than answers.

The endless inquiries only continue, with dates, times and locations still changing daily, even with the NHL's Return to Play plan announced earlier this week. The framework is there for a 24-team expanded playoff format played in two to-be-determined hub cities, possibly beginning in late July or early August, and individuals around the league are "cautiously optimistic" about the sport's return. However, MacLellan acknowledged the whole operation is still a "tremendous challenge" to pull off.

"Answers aren't always completely there so it is frustrating that way, so I think we move forward cautiously," MacLellan said on a Friday video conference call.

"We would love to play games, but if it doesn't make sense, it might not even happen . . . we try to balance the excitement of playing games versus the reality of how as we as a sport are moving forward with the virus. How is society handling it? How fast is it going to happen?"

MacLellan and the organization are trying to prepare "the best we can." That starts with Phase 2 of the league's return-to-play proposal, which is expected to begin in early June and will allow teams to open up their practice facilities to no more than six players at one time for voluntary workouts. No coaches are allowed on the ice during sessions.

"We're trying to comply with what we believe are regulations that are continually evolving," MacLellan said. "Trying to do the best we can to prepare to open up the rink and to allow guys to work out.”