We would have been in the middle of Round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs by now in a normal time, it’s not normal. Instead, we’re in another round, or I guess an extension of self-isolation.Yeah, that’s the expectation that the National Hockey League will extend its quarantine period. It expires on April 30th, it’s likely that would be extended into mid-May.
A ton still to be determined. I think we’ve all come to realize over the last few weeks that whatever happens with this season, the next season is also going to be affected in some way. What sort of plans have they come up with for next year, or at least are they kicking around?: What the league has talked about as a possibility with its teams over the past little while is delaying the start of next season into December. That’s right.
The league doesn’t know if or when it can resume this season and how long it’s willing to go to end this season. I.E. We’ve talked about July/August for the playoffs. What if it goes into September or October? Which, by the way, is on the table. I think to me, the most important factor in why you’d want to delay next season into December is fans in the building. There are a lot of teams that when next season comes, whenever that is, need fans in the building. It’s a gate-driven league. It’s one thing to finish the playoffs without fans. But they’re going to need revenue next year and when can you have fans? And when will there be a vaccine? When is it safe? Tough to say.
But that’s why the league is willing to wait until next December. And by the way, here’s the kicker: They’d like to have an 82-game season even if it starts in December, which means playing into July next year.You know we thought we might hear official word this week that they’re doing it or they’re not doing it. It’s my understanding now that the final decision could drag into next week. Right now, we’re still relatively pessimistic about getting a June draft.
Just cancel already, ffs.