NHL floating idea of 24 team playoffs, allows players to return home, looking at late April restart

By Anthony Scultore

·Updated: March 16, 2020

NHL looking at April start and expanded playoffs.

There’s a lot of information floating around which began late yesterday and continues on into this morning. Much of it has to do with reactions from State Governors over the weekend shutting down schools and gatherings of over 50 people until late April.

Expanded Playoffs

Due to the regular season likely having to be cancelled should this go past April, a rumor is circulating that the NHL may consider a 24 team post season? The logistics defy me at the moment, but it would likely involve early rounds being a best of 3 and then ultimately a 7 game series for the Cup.

I know of one team that considers this a strong option. NHL schedule maker is literally working through all options and NHL clubs are submitting creative ideas as well. https://t.co/axdYu6KE8V
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) March 16, 2020

Players Allowed to Go Home

Due to the latest ordinances from the States, looks like NHL players could return to their home countries. Although, I do believe there is a fair amount of risk to that with flight restrictions.

This comes about 48 hours after the NHLPA sent a memo to players saying to hang tight until further direction regarding crossing the border to go home. This new directive from the NHL also a realization that IF the season resumes this year, it won't be soon. https://t.co/6dqRodKUUS
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) March 16, 2020

More to come later today.

By Anthony Scultore

Anthony Scultore has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL since 2014. His work also appears at... More about Anthony Scultore