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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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SALT LAKE CITY, UNITED STATES: The action is viewed through the Olympic rings during the Gold Medal Ice Hockey match between Canada and the United States 24 February 2002 at the XIX Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. AFP PHOTO/Jeff HAYNES (Photo credit should read JEFF HAYNES/AFP via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UNITED STATES: The action is viewed through the Olympic rings during the Gold Medal Ice Hockey match between Canada and the United States 24 February 2002 at the XIX Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. AFP PHOTO/Jeff HAYNES (Photo credit should read JEFF HAYNES/AFP via Getty Images) /

West Valley City, Utah

A very famous Olympic rink could be in play for the NHL, should they so choose. The Maverik Center, current home to the Utah Grizzlies of the ECHL and former home of the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, may be a place where the NHL considers for a neutral site.

The rink seats 10,000 fans for hockey and is multipurpose, meaning the facilities in the arena would be of use to the NHL. Plus, given its use as an Olympic venue, the surrounding area is likely able to host any number of visitors to the area.

Utah is also a state that remains less impacted by the coronavirus than others in more populous areas such as New York or Illinois. Any neutral site plan the NHL would want to enact would have to be in an area of the country that is not considered a hot spot, for the safety of all those involved.

While other Olympic venues such as the Herb Brooks Arena in Lake Placid, New York are tantalizing from a historic perspective, the NHL would be wise to steer clear of any states that are suffering greatly from this virus.

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