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NHL Dumping Neutral Site Game Idea, Choosing Host Cities

The NHL appears to be scrapping the idea of NHL neutral site games and going with four host cities to resume the season. Where?

According to a number of hockey insiders, the NHL is shifting gears. Moving away from the idea of neutral site games to host the season should things resume, the league is scrapping that plan.

Instead, the NHL will look at a small number NHL cities to host the remaining contests. So, take cites like North Dakota or New Hampshire off the table and put cities like Raleigh or Edmonton on.

Emily Kaplan of ESPN tweets that the favorites to host these games at this point are Raleigh (Metropolitan), Edmonton (Pacific), Minnesota (Central), and a to-be-determined city for the Atlantic Division. Michael Russo of The Athletic confirmed that the Minnesota Wild are being considered but Craig Morgan of The Athletic notes the Coyotes have pitched their name in for consideration as a Pacific host site.

Chris Johnston of Sportsnet added notes from the Gary Bettman and Ron MacLean interview and cited Bettman’s remarks: “NHL is looking at as many as four locations to resume play in a centralized way: “We need a lot of ice.”

When Would This All Start?

That’s a good question. There is no timetable on resuming the season but Johnston also noted that Bettman said the NHL’s centralized plan could include as many as three games per day per venue — while stressing, of course, that nothing has been finalized or decided on. In other words, if things get going, they’ll move quickly.

Greg Wyshysnki of ESPN writes that this isn’t something that could happen right away:

Latest push is for NHL to return to 2-4 of its arenas in areas where the COVID-19 outbreak has been managed and restrictions would allow it. Very much targeting completion of the regular season. No timetable. NHLPA needs to sign off on any of it.

Related: NHL Considering Holding Virtual Entry Draft

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