The Athletic’s Joshua Kloke spoke with AHL president Scott Howson and several AHL’ers regarding the still-uncertain circumstances surrounding the 2020-2021 AHL season, and Grand Rapids Griffins defenseman Dylan McIlrath adds his voice to the mix:
Scott Howson is an optimist by nature. The AHL president continues to rely on that sense of optimism as the league’s previously proposed start date of Feb. 5 inches closer with no plans on delaying the start of the season.
“There’s a strong appetite amongst our teams and their NHL partners to try and make this season work,” Howson told The Athletic.
As information about what the 2020-21 NHL season will look like trickles out and a picture of the season comes into focus, many within the AHL are waiting for similar updates.
“You probably know more than I do,” said one AHL coach.
And so while many around the league want to share Howson’s optimism, there is also a sense of anxiety.
“Definitely a lot of questions still to be answered,” said Grand Rapids Griffins defenceman Dylan McIlrath. “And it is kind of nerve-wracking. Obviously, hopefully, the NHL can get going. It’s been a trying time, waiting for the word. And there hasn’t been a whole lot of dialogue, because no one really has the answers right now.”
The biggest holdup for the AHL is the NHL itself. Once the NHL’s season plans are finalized, the AHL will act accordingly and structure its season. Until then, the waiting remains the hardest part.
Continued (paywall)
This going to be tough, I think? Some of the AHL and ECHL have closed their doors.
If so, not having a farm team, would be a problem??