from Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic,

The NHL and NHL Players’ Association were in discussion again Tuesday through the Return to Play Committee, trying to navigate their way through a number of issues and eventually finding a path to potential puck drop.

Hockey fans are hungry for answers. Hey, so is the media.

What about the draft? The playoff format? The hub cities in the proposed four-site scenario? What about Phase 2, which is the next step?...

On a general target date to drop the puck (there were reports Tuesday that MLB has a plan, subject to player approval, of opening the season in early July). Is the NHL there yet with a specific return plan?

“I wouldn’t go there,” said Daly. “We haven’t even moved into our contemplated Phase 2 yet. So until we do that, and from there, we have training camp, I think it’s a little bit too early to be handicapping when we might be playing games. Certainly I have a best case and a worst case in my mind, but that’s not something that needs to be shared publicly at this point.”

My take: Obviously it makes sense that Phase 2 is front and centre right now and I believe it was a big part of the Return to Play Committee’s discussion Tuesday afternoon. Once again, Phase 2 is the ending of quarantine for teams/players and allowing players in small groups to skate again at their team facilities.

At some point over the next month, Daly confirmed Tuesday night, Phase 2 should begin.

much more (paid subscripton)