from Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun,

Of course, if the league does play into July, August or even September, that’s going to delay the start of the 2020-21 campaign to sometime in mid-November. The league has been steadfast it won’t do anything that will affect the ability to have a full 82-game schedule next year and that will be foremost with whatever route the NHL takes.

Starting next season in mid-November may actually be a good scenario for the NHL because the possibility exists if the league went any earlier they may have to do so without fans in the stands. Getting the 2020-21 campaign under way that late means maybe they can sell some seats if physical distancing measures are still in place some communities across North America.

Remember, we’ve been told several times that even when we return to normal it’s going to be a new normal and these measures could be in place for many more months.

Yes, the league has big national television contracts with Sportsnet in Canada and NBC in the United States, but teams need to sell tickets to thrive. Empty seats in the playoffs when the players don’t actually get paid is one thing, but it’s a costly scenario if the league has to start next season in empty buildings but maybe by mid-November the picture will look better for selling tickets.

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