This should be no surprise to anyone here in Columbus. While things have been opening up, it was an unlikely choice for the NHL. But, with no fans being present and multiple places to practice and play why wasn't it chosen?

For one thing...TORONTO

Having the entirety of the Eastern Conference playoffs in Toronto is an NHL dream. Big market for hockey, hockey crazy fans...the buzz will be unbelievable. And with nothing scheduled until July, I'm betting that the NHL may be banking that at some point the city will re-open enough to allow fans. Same may be true in Vegas.

For another thing...Ohio Governor DeWine

Dewine has taken a cautious and calculated approach to re-opening. He was aggressive in closing everything and listening to medical professionals. He will not rush things an thus, there would be little chance of fans ever getting into stadiums for NHL playoff games.

Last thing...ice time conflicts

This sounds ridiculous right. But most of the ice time, at what would be the practice facilities is tied up with 'spring' youth pond hockey and 'winter' session adult leagues finishing up. The local rinks run by Chiller LLC, need to revenue and don't want to refund any money for both of these leagues that had already paid prior to closure. I realize that the NHL would pay handsomely for exclusive ice time, but they will only be around for a few months at best. These other revenue streams have potential for years to come. Seems like a small hurdle, but I think the rinks are going to have a hard time recovering participation to pre-pandemic levels and this would be another thing that would hinder that.

We shouldn't be surprised that Columbus wasn't chosen, it is actually a surprise to me that they were part of the list to begin with.

Good Luck and Go Jackets (continue to stay safe...)

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