This news comes to you via Paul of Abel to Yzerman on KK: the Ottawa Sun’s Bruce Garrioch provides an update regarding the status of non-playoff teams’ attempts to hold a preseason tournament in order to shake off rust:
The seven teams that didn’t take part in the post-season, including Detroit, Los Angeles, San Jose, Anaheim, New Jersey and Buffalo, have all appealed to the league to at least be allowed to have a longer training camp than the other 24 teams that took part in the post-season.
The word amongst league executives is the initiative is being led by Anaheim GM Bob Murray and he’s been the one dealing with the NHL head office about the possibility. All seven teams have made it clear they feel it’s important because of the length of time between games for their players.
Deputy commissioner Bill Daly indicated in an email Monday afternoon that teams like the Senators, Wings, Kings, Sharks, Ducks, Devils and Sabres could be granted a longer camp if the NHL Players’ Association agrees to it.
“Yes, we have been talking with the union about giving the seven clubs additional days of mandatory training camp period prior to the opening of the main camp,” Daly wrote to Postmedia from Edmonton. “Timing would be tied entirely to the opening of training camp so remains uncertain.”
Great idea!! The 2nd Wave seems to have started with Cases of Covid increasing rapidly after some Provinces leveled off. I expect to see another Bubble for these teams. Is that even possible?? They should have started planning by now or soon, maybe?
Good ideas in the NHL usually don’t get past the NHL Brass (all of one short guy). There are a minority playing over seas but the rest are Home watching Days of Our Lives or changing diapers.
I hope someone is really serious about playing time for the non tournament guys and a few of the teams knocked out early.
The others seem to be playing pretty good for no real pre season. Maybe the real pre season is not that great for players locked into a spot on their team.