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5 neutral sites the NHL could play at if the 2019-20 season resumes

By Mary Clarke

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 12: The ice and spectator seating is empty prior to the Detroit Red Wings playing against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on March 12, 2020 in Washington, DC. Yesterday, the NBA suspended their season until further notice after a Utah Jazz player tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19). The NHL said per a release, that the uncertainty regarding next steps regarding the coronavirus, Clubs were advised not to conduct morning skates, practices or team meetings today. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 12: The ice and spectator seating is empty prior to the Detroit Red Wings playing against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on March 12, 2020 in Washington, DC. Yesterday, the NBA suspended their season until further notice after a Utah Jazz player tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19). The NHL said per a release, that the uncertainty regarding next steps regarding the coronavirus, Clubs were advised not to conduct morning skates, practices or team meetings today. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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EVERETT, WASHINGTON – NOVEMBER 22: Saskatoon Blades forward Randen Schmidt #37 skates to the bench during a stoppage in play in the third period of a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Saskatoon Blades at Angel of the Winds Arena on November 22, 2019 in Everett, Washington. (Photo by Christopher Mast/Getty Images)
EVERETT, WASHINGTON – NOVEMBER 22: Saskatoon Blades forward Randen Schmidt #37 skates to the bench during a stoppage in play in the third period of a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Saskatoon Blades at Angel of the Winds Arena on November 22, 2019 in Everett, Washington. (Photo by Christopher Mast/Getty Images) /

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

The NHL would be remiss to not take a look at venues in Canada for this neutral site idea. After all, Canada is in a better shape than the United States is in with the coronavirus, so the league may be better off looking at places there.

Saskatoon has also been tossed around as a potential city that could host neutral site playoff games in the future. The city’s major rink — the SaskTel Centre — is multipurpose and is the current home of the Saskatoon Blades of the Western Hockey League.

Heading to Canada is not a bad option for the NHL to exercise during this pandemic. While there may be limitations on accommodations for teams, and possible travel hiccups, the idea is an interesting one if it gets the NHL out of potential hot spots in the United States.

While no fans would be in on the action, there is something to be said of having the NHL play the Stanley Cup playoffs on Canadian soil, even if it is neutral ground. Ice conditions will likely be better in Canada as well, as the summer will not destroy ice conditions as badly as it would the further south you travel.

Hockey, if it returns, will be weird no matter what the NHL decides to do with it this season, but the league can at least mitigate some potential hardships by heading to Canada for a neutral site playoff in late summer.

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