NHL Commissioner talks options for return to 2019-20 season

While on NBCSN's ‘Lunch Talk Live' on Tuesday, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said the league will be ready to spring into action once given the ‘green light' from authorities and medical professionals.

He also commented that the league is exploring all options for a possible return to the 19-20 NHL season, stating nothing has been ruled in or out.

“From an NHL standpoint, and I'm sure this is what the other leagues are doing, we're viewing all of our options.

We want to be ready to go as soon as we get a green light, and the green light may not be crystal clear because there may still be some places in the country you can't play and other places where you can.

We're looking at all options. Nothing has been ruled in, nothing has been ruled out. It's largely going to be determined what we do by how much time there is, because we have next season to focus on as well, and the health of the country, and by the country, I mean both Canada and the U.S., obviously.”

Since nearly a month has passed following the season's suspension, many are speculating how far into the summer a return could go, and what challenges would be faced in the process. Bettman did state he believes a return could go “well into the summer.” He would address these concerns as well;

“The days of when games had to be postponed because there was no air conditioning in a building are long behind us.

We have modern, state-of-the-art buildings. We play in places like Florida, Southern California, Arizona, Las Vegas, Dallas. We can handle making ice now in any condition because our buildings are that good and our ice-making capability is that good. We play outdoors when it's warm sometimes. Ice won't be a factor. It'll be something we deal with, but it'll be the least of the issues we're focused on.”

The long-time Commissioner also noted that while he expects the league to be ready to go as soon as the opportunity arises, it will likely take players at least a couple of weeks to prepare for a return. He stated the league will continue to work with the NHL Players' Association on the subject.

“That's something we're consulting and will be continuing to consult with the Players' Association on.

As important as health and well-being is now, and that's paramount over everything and when and how we play sports, but when we come back, we have to make sure we don't do anything to jeopardize the players in terms of their ability to play and making sure they're in game-ready shape. That all goes into the equation.”

Though these seem like promising signs, the NHL 2019-20 season remains suspended indefinitely from March 12th, amidst the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.

MUST READ

15 minutes ago  |  By Jonathan Ouimet Top NHL forward is injured after an unacceptable moment and heads are about to roll

1 hour ago  |  By Jonathan Ouimet Scary injury just rocked Vegas at the absolute worst possible moment

2 hours ago  |  By Skyler Walker 'It's a bad sign': Longtime NHL veteran sparks trade buzz after suddenly firing his agent

3 hours ago  |  By Skyler Walker The league has suspended a Hurricanes defenseman in the middle of their series against the Canadiens

4 hours ago  |  By Skyler Walker NHL player's wife turns on him big time in the middle of the Stanley Cup Playoffs: William Carriere has rivals

5 hours ago  |  By Skyler Walker There will be consequences after Arber Xhekaj reveals what an opponent said to him on the ice

6 hours ago  |  By Skyler Walker The worst is confirmed for John Tortorella and the Golden Knights ahead of Game 2 against Colorado

7 hours ago  |  By Skyler Walker Martin St-Louis has left the Canadiens organization after game one win and the exact reason is pinpointed

MORE STORIES