NHL reportedly considering the idea of 2021 season in outdoor games proposed by teams

The news made a lot of fans smile on Thursday when it was revealed that at least four NHL teams have looked into the possibility of playing 2020-21 NHL regular season games outdoors. The report was made by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, who identified the four teams as the Anaheim Ducks, Boston Bruins, Los Angeles Kings, and Pittsburgh Penguins.

Then a few more teams were added in the mix, including the Carolina Hurricane, as showing an interest to holding outdoor games in order to get some revenue in their pockets. There is no secret that a full season without any fans in the stands would be crushing to league revenues.

While Friedman called this option a long shot as running outdoor NHL games can be very expensive, it is now believed that the league is looking at the possibility of holding some outdoor games, potentially as a way to start the season or the beginning of the calendar. 

Here is how Pierre LeBrun explained what’s he heard around the league since that report came out, revealing the details on last night’s Insider Trading on TSN: 

“The Pittsburgh Penguins for example have informed the league that they would be ready to start the opening month of the regular season in outdoor games. The Boston Bruins looking to play multiple games at Fenway Park if it’s feasible and if local health authorities are OK with it. We also have the Carolina Hurricanes who might want to have a game or two by their own refrigeration system. The LA Kings have the MLS stadium in California later in the season if health authorities allow it, but would like to play a whole bunch of games, and there’s other teams as well that have told the league we’d like to play outdoor games. Why? Because with the fans physically distanced, obviously you can get some gate revenue. That’s what this is all about. The NHL has not officially responded. I think right now they see the pros and the cons to it.”

As you heard LeBrun say it, there is yet a response for the league, but knowing that they are considering this as part of the many options on the table seems like good news. 

We surely have to give credit to NHL teams for looking into the idea of playing regular season games outdoors in 2020-21. Points for creativity and showing fans they want to play, no matter what!