Here are your links for today:
Devils Links
A class move by the owners:
NJ owners Josh Harris and David Blitzer say they have committed to paying hourly/event staff for postponed @NJDevils games and Prudential Center events. “Employees are family...It’s important to band together and lift each other up during these times.”
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) March 13, 2020
From Devils president Jake Reynods and interim GM Tom Fitzgerald:
“During this truly unprecedented time in history, we want to take a moment to share how much our team appreciates you - our incredible fans and family.”#WeAreTheOnes | #NJDevilshttps://t.co/AQBZC25UgC
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) March 14, 2020
Hockey Links
No confirmed COVID-19 cases in NHL players yet:
There are still no confirmed COVID-19 cases among NHL players. Of course, some may be asymptomatic or awaiting test results at this stage.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) March 15, 2020
Might we see teams resuming practice relatively soon? Seems like a longshot, but maybe.
NHL teams have been told that it will be at least one full week -- and perhaps longer -- before they can reopen facilities for players to do small-group skates/workouts.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) March 15, 2020
NHL players are being told to stay close to their home NHL cities. Why? Here’s the league’s Bill Daly: “Two reasons, really. For their own protection in avoiding potential at a very high-risk time. And to give us an opportunity to assess the overall health of the NHL community.” [Sportsnet]
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.
So, if the league comes back, what do the playoffs look like this season? Play-in games? A March Madness-style tourney? Something creative? Elliotte Friedman with a few thoughts: [Sportsnet]
The ECHL season has been canceled:
The 2019-20 #ECHL Season has been cancelled.
— ECHL (@ECHL) March 15, 2020
: https://t.co/JURcxzLhAC pic.twitter.com/YEsvZRv4gy
Word is that ECHL players will only be paid through tomorrow following the cancellation of their season. You have to feel for those guys: The average salary is a bit more than $600 per week in that league.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) March 15, 2020
In addition to @FriedgeHNIC report on ECHL cancelling its season, word around the American Hockey League is that a potential return won't mirror what happens with the NHL. Too many different variables, including travel and revenue. They're facing a big challenge.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) March 15, 2020
Feel free to discuss these and any other hockey-related stories in the comments below.