As the uncertainty of when (or if) the NHL resumes play continues, the longer it takes, the more likely the regular season will be cancelled. The NHL has been listening to every possibility, even one that included a 20-24 team playoffs for the Cup. Well just this week, an NHL team proposed a tournament for the 1st overall pick, which I am sure delighted the Red Wings who are dead last with the best chance at Alexis Lafreniere.
Setting up a Lottery Tournament
The first thing the league will need to decide is if they will be expanding the playoffs from 16 teams to 20 or 24.