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AHL tells players to go home

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TJ Tucker
March 17, 2020  (2:58 PM)
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While the AHL hasn't officially cancelled its season yet, it seems we're getting closer to that reality. The league issued a directive to teams Monday stating it does not expect the season to start up again any earlier than May, and urged them to facilitate the return of players to their primary residences.

The NHL has also allowed players to return to their home countries. Those that do must remain in self-isolation until the end of March.

Each passing day makes it seem less likely that either the NHL or the AHL will get back on the ice in time to resume the regular season. While both leagues are still hopeful for some sort of playoff tournament, there's no guarantee that will happen. Some analysts have stated the NHL would need to start June 1st at the absolute latest in order to have some type of playoff tournament.

The ECHL, the only other league associated with the NHL, has already announced the full-on cancellation of the 2019-20 season. After Monday, players would no longer be receiving their weekly pay.