NHL Continues Waiting Game for Possible Return
The NHL and its top developmental league the AHL remain in a holding pattern til further notice. It has now been over a month since the announcement of a suspension in play was released. As the new week begins there has been no update regarding the stoppage in play. The AHL's (and Binghamron Devils)return is dependent on decisions made at the NHL-level.
ESPN.com reports that NHL executives and the player's association (NHLPA) agree that all efforts should be made to complete the regular season and set-up a viable playoff schedule. In comments from NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly several issues were discussed on the return of pro hockey in the next several months.
ESPN.com reports Daly tells them "I would say a best-of-one playoff is not something we would ever go to. I would say there would be a strong opposition to ever creating a single elimination." Daly goes on to tell ESPN.com that he thinks a playoff series of best-of-three is more possible.
Other issues pertain to how much training time is needed to resume play in the regular season and how much time would be needed to complete this season including playoffs and then begin the 2020-21 campaign.