Deputy Commissioner Daly on how positive tests would impact a resumed season

If or when the NHL returns to complete the 2019-20 season is anyone's guess at this point. While the league and players seem eager to return when it is safe to do so, there are many factors that must be considered. One of those factors is how positive tests for COVID-19 might impact a resumed season if it should happen. Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly doesn't see it as a big issue.

"We believe that everything depends on the facts and the entire set of circumstances, but no, one positive test - even multiple positive tests - wouldn't necessarily shut the whole thing down," Daly told TSN's Ryan Rishaug.

That is somewhat reassuring for fans who want hockey back, but it's obvious that would all depend on the number of cases. If several members of a team or teams test positive and are unable to play, it would seem unfair that a resumed season would continue in the wake of those tests. There's also the issue of quarantine for those that come in contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus. The situation may be more complicated than Daly is letting on.

Eight NHL players - five from the Ottawa Senators and three from the Colorado Avalanche - have tested positive for COVID-19 since the league postponed the 2019-20 season amid the pandemic March 12. All have since recovered. According to the latest reports, the NHL is attempting to have the season restart sometime in July with the idea of four hub-cities hosting all teams.

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