If there was a theme to the week in the NHL and the league’s contingency plans moving forward and hopefully through the COVID-19 crisis, it was the shift from the idea of using neutral sites to centralized locations within the pre-existing network of arenas.
ESPN reported earlier this week that Edmonton, Minnesota and Raleigh were among lead candidates being considered for use if the NHL does manage to re-start its 2019-20 season with four centralized sites, but The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun is now reporting that upwards of 12 locations are being vetted.
LeBrun includes Pittsburgh, Columbus, Dallas and Toronto among the other considered regions based on current public health situations, local infrastructure and other logistical concerns.