from Chris Johnston of Sportsnet,

Let us not lose sight of what brought us here.

It was the spread of a deadly virus that forced the NHL to turn to Toronto and Edmonton in an effort to salvage its season.

So while there’s some symmetry, and perhaps a cute headline, to be found in two Canadian hockey cities being identified as likely Stanley Cup Playoff hubs on Canada Day, there’s nothing cute about the circumstances.

There will be no fans at any games played on Canadian soil because of the coronavirus pandemic. Aside from local travel and tourism industries, the real winners from rumblings Wednesday that the NHL and NHL Players’ Association were making progress on a return-to-play package were those that see intrinsic value in being able to watch a Stanley Cup tournament during this challenging period in our history.

Now, let’s take a pause for a necessary disclaimer — no deal is done until it’s completely done. And negotiations were still ongoing as of late Wednesday morning. That can’t be stressed enough.

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