from Chris Johnston of Spotsnet,

The NHL remains "hopeful" that an extended Canada-U.S. border closure will not "materially affect the resumption of play timelines we are currently contemplating," according to deputy commissioner Bill Daly.

That comment comes in the wake of Tuesday morning’s announcement from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that the border between the countries will remain closed to non-essential travel through June 21.

It’s not immediately clear if NHL players and staff might be granted exemptions that could facilitate travel back to playing cities before then.

The NHL has been hoping to open team facilities for small-group workouts and start progressing through the phases of its return-to-play protocol.

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