Today, no official news broke but signs are that we are getting closer to a decision. On the podcast today, Eklund indicated - like others within the industry - that we should have a final direction known shortly. Commissioner Gary Bettman in his remarks as part of a digital keynote interview with Leaders Week, a sports business conference, noted the league is looking at 8-9 locations as options when play resumes.

Nick Cotsonika has a great thread of Bettman's comments. Testing, logistics, players overseas all were mentioned. Same with potential timing of finishing this season and starting the 2020-21 campaign.

Bettman is very optimistic and hopeful about the future of sports in general. "Sports really brings people together at times of great stress, and I believe sports will come back and come back strong."

— Nick Cotsonika (@cotsonika) May 18, 2020

While a June draft has not been ruled out, John Shannon reports that momentum exists for a late August/early September Draft. You know my view. I am not a fan of drafting when a season hasn't completed, especially when trades involving players currently playing certainly can't be made. In addition, and more on this later, how do you have a draft when who will be in the lottery and seedings have yet to be determined?

There was some thought the NHL would set dates for the Lottery and Draft on the Board of Governors call today.  That did not occur.  As mentioned yesterday, there is some momentum for a late August/early September Draft right now, with or without  a resumption of the season.

— John Shannon (@JShannonhl) May 18, 2020

Pierre LeBrun reports that while 24 teams may be involved when play resumes, eventually the playoffs will consist of the usual 16 teams. I hadn't heard that possibility, unless you view the rumored best-of-three in the first round as a play in round. But the better question is who makes the playoffs?

We have heard two different models if 24 teams make the playoffs: top-six in each division, which to be somewhat xenophobic, leaves the Rangers out, or moving New York to the Atlantic Division hub, whereby they make the playoffs. This is my question, which I asked on the podcast, in what will and already is an aberration of a season, why not just pick the top-12 in each conference? Go back to what used to be the case in the past. Why have Buffalo, no offense, or another team who may not warrant a spot, make the playoffs? Granted, this is the vagary of sports, especially when divisional standings matter. But, this year, where the league is shoehorning a playoffs in, go with what makes sense. Take the top-12 in each conference, ignore the divisions, and seed 1-12 for the playoffs.

From @PierreVLeBrun & @RodSmithTSN: Discussing the progress made over the weekend by the NHL's return to play committee and what the format could look like for the end of the regular season and the beginning of the playoffs: https://t.co/Ze6fkFp7pq#TSNHockey pic.twitter.com/mGLLM1IgTF

— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) May 18, 2020

With all the talk of hubs, 8-12, two-to-four, Las Vegas as possible option, could we maybe see hockey in New York or California? Per Governors Andrew Cuomo and Gavin Newsom, this seems like a possibility. Even a week ago, that option was remote, and while hurdles remain to be tackled, a glimmer or hope exists.

Huge updates in this week’s NHL restart/COVID-19 news roundup.
- How 24-team playoff format would work
- Inside player testing procedures
- Two hubs instead of four?
- Early draft backlash.

Get caught up: https://t.co/1y5xGWIcLi

— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) May 18, 2020

Nothing firmed up yet obviously but two hub cities instead of four is generating some buzz in discussions amongst teams. Las Vegas, for example, where an entire hotel/resort could be dedicated to the NHL and with easy access to the arena. https://t.co/PI8Se7MJsV

— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) May 18, 2020

NY Gov. Cuomo says he has encouraged major sports teams in the state to plan on playing without fans; says the state will assist in planning. pic.twitter.com/uErySbbtUH

— NBC News (@NBCNews) May 18, 2020

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo invited the return of sports today:

"If they can make the numbers work, I say great. Come back. The state will work with you... Why wait until you can fill a stadium before you start to bring a team back? If you can televise it in the meantime, great." pic.twitter.com/ARA0bqQXZb

— Mike Vorkunov (@MikeVorkunov) May 18, 2020

Governor Gavin Newsom announced today that sports could return to California without fans in Junehttps://t.co/SjqxRAKR9M pic.twitter.com/u05Wcif36P

— NBCSAuthentic (@NBCSAuthentic) May 18, 2020

Sirius XM NHL twitter had an interesting poll. I know who Rangers' fans may select, aided by the Hjighlight below. But which of the five - if any - would you elect to the HHOF:

Who of these goalies make it to the Hockey Hall of Fame first?

Tom Barrasso
Mike Vernon
Mike Richter
Curtis Joseph
Chris Osgood

— SiriusXM NHL Network Radio (@SiriusXMNHL) May 19, 2020

The Save. A right pad flash and momentum flipped:

the save, the laugh, the 'OH BABY!'

*chefs kiss* pic.twitter.com/1l046v6uHT

— Rangers on MSG (@RangersMSGN) May 19, 2020

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