The NHL-NHLPA met twice this week to try and iron out the "return-to-play." Some progress has been made, but impediments remain and conversations remain somewhat theoretical. Financial components - aka escrow - is one of the major impediments while the June draft looks highly unlikely.
INSIDER TRADING: #TSNHockey Insiders discuss...
— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) May 14, 2020
- Back & forth between NHL/NHLPA on return to play
- Relevance of economic issues and border issues with return
- #NHL trims list of hub cities
- Chances of June draft fading
WATCH ðŸŒ: https://t.co/xBvZTbZevI pic.twitter.com/HYhA1RVdKB
Pierre LeBrun (see column below), Darren Dreger and Bob McKenzie all covered aspects of the task. The focus, as expected, was on the conversations between the two sides. Mentioned in the four-minute segment was the playoffs, potential locations for the games, escrow and draft date.
The NHL-NHLPA Return to Play Committee met twice this week. What could it mean? My piece: https://t.co/tmCNvI0Pw7
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) May 14, 2020
Number of teams in playoffs: some push back exists on the 24-team concept, largely due to the consternation over some teams making the tourney and point spread on some of the potential matchups. LeBrun specifically highlighted the fairness of Chicago and Montreal in the post-season. In addition, Lebrun indicated "under one proposed model that was circulated, Pittsburgh would face Montreal in a play-in series (presumably best-of-three), the 15-point gap between teams certainly noticeable."
To me though, we have seen matchups with wider spreads years ago, the same could exist now in a 1-8 format, so unsure why that's viewed as such an aberration. If 24 is so difficult, go with 20. Have the first 12 teams automatically in, make the next eight face each other, four in each division, to decide the last two spots. Then start the playoffs with eight teams in each conference, as usual.
Economic issues: players want guarantees about % of escrow going forward. If there is a major sticking point, this is it. Deciding the % now for even next year, let alone beyond that, could dominate every meeting without any other points to be decided. I completely understand the players' view, because to me, at least, that group appears to be the party always giving concessions. Locking in a % would benefit both sides, though there is no norm now.
NHL trims list of hub cities to eight At one point, 12 locations were mentioned. In the segment, three Canadian cities, TOR, EDM and VAN are three of the eight. Minnesota and Las Vegas also were named. Not stated, though likely in the mix, is Arizona, as the stay-at-home order in the state is lifting this weekend. The league is not concerned about cross- border issues, even if it is extended to June, which is why Canada cities remain in the mix.
The chances of June draft "on life support". NHL not expanding significant political capital to get it done. As we have discussed, several scouts contracts expire at the end of June, which was one reason for holding the draft in that month, along with trying to capitalize on a captive market. My guess now is that if we have a season, after which the draft, so we could be looking at August or later, especially hearing Elliotte Friedman's comment below. But all this is pure speculation.
"There is no guarantee at this time."@FriedgeHNIC joined #NHLTonight to discuss the latest news on the NHL pause. pic.twitter.com/1bAhKNZJH7
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) May 14, 2020
Friedman in his 31 Thoughts discusses how a 24-team playoff could work. Interesting in his proposal, he moves Rangers to Atlantic hub, adding New York as the lowest seed from Metropolitan Division. Friedman proposes a five games "round robin" with a handicap by standings at arrival of the pause. Concept is interesting and gives the higher seed a much easier path to the next round.
31 Thoughts. Enjoy! https://t.co/l1bsieR93u
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) May 15, 2020