from Sportsnet,

Speaking at the Sports Business Journal’s “Dealmakers in Sport” panel on Wednesday, Bettman said the pandemic is a huge factor in its plans for the upcoming campaign.

“That is a work in progress influenced largely by what we’re hearing from the medical experts,” he said.

“COVID is going through a second wave, which could be worse than the first wave, and between Thanksgiving and the aftermath and what they think is going to happen for Christmas and the aftermath, we are taking our time and making sure as we look to ways to move forward, we are focused on health and safety and doing the right things.”

read on

Posted by Paul from Motown Area on 12/02/20 at 02:41 PM ET

Good point.

Don’t renegotiate. Decide on a season length, then whatever percentage of games they play, that’s the percentage of pay the players get.

Posted by PresidentJoeByzerman on 12/02/20 at 03:14 PM ET

The NHL could really stand to hire a PR firm to help their case, because right now they are fighting against the media who is controlling what people are reading and helping people shape their opinions.  If anyone disagrees with that last statement, they probably need some personal reflection.

Posted by TreKronor on 12/02/20 at 05:19 PM ET

Gary Bettman in full on why he doesn’t view the NHL’s recent pitch to the NHLPA as a renegotiation of the previously agreed to MOU.

Because hes ultimately still a slimey lawyer who realizes that hes losing the PR battle badly and desperately wants to change the narrative.

Maybe next time he’ll listen to those same medical experts a little closer and negotiate accordingly.

Posted by Hootinani from the parade following Babs out of town on 12/02/20 at 05:25 PM ET

Maybe next time he’ll listen to those same medical experts a little closer and negotiate accordingly.

I love how all the scientists come out of the woodwork pretending that they were there at the forefront in July, scoffing at the CBA that was signed. I don’t remember all of you scoffing when July’s plan was to start a new season in late November or early December, with at least some fans, and an 82-game schedule.

Where were all of you medical and legal experts then?

Posted by PresidentJoeByzerman on 12/02/20 at 05:51 PM ET

Playing games under a strict testing regime (like NFL) is possible. However, expecting more than 25% fans, or even fans at all in winter in closed spaces, was always unrealistic. If NHL owners signed the deal thinking there wouldn’t be a second wave, they made irrational business decision.

Posted by Davor on 12/03/20 at 06:50 AM ET