All NHL players have been asked to self-quarantine in their teams’ cities “for now” due to the coronavirus outbreak, reports said Friday.
TSN hockey insider Pierre LeBrun reported that the league and the players association agreed to guidelines during the current, indefinite suspension of the NHL season.
The memo sent to all teams reportedly said teams could be allowed to skate in small groups “at some point,” and a mini-camp would precede the resumption of the season — if the season resumes.
NHL/NHLPA signed off on memo around 5 p.m. ET, guidelines:
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) March 13, 2020
1) Players for now asked to self-quarantine in their home NHL cities;
2) At some point TBD, players may skate at NHL facility in small groups;
3) Near the end, plans for mini camp before (if) season resumes.
_ there are exceptions now for players on IR who need treatment/rehab, they can go to NHL facility to get it.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) March 13, 2020
_ Also players who want to self-quarantine away from NHL home city because their family lives elsewhere (like traded players), they can do that after advising team of it
Further to what I reported on Sportscentre specific to players self quarantine…players with families outside of their club city can leave provided they alert their teams GM. Clarifying in the event reports of players leaving NHL cities surface.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) March 13, 2020
According to these guidelines, a player like Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals must stay at his home in Virginia, rather than head to Russia or travel to his home in Miami. However, he could request approval to return to Russia to see his family.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has said the league hopes to resume the 2019-20 season and eventually award the Stanley Cup. The form that may take, though, is up in the air.
“We’re doing all sorts of modeling, whether it’s completing the existing regular season as is and then a full playoffs, or whether or not based on time constraints we’re going to have to make adjustments and do something different, novel, creative,” Bettman told Sportsnet Friday.
ESPN reported Friday that players will receive their final three paychecks of the season, according to NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly.
• Adam Zielonka can be reached at azielonka@washingtontimes.com.
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