Toronto Is Expected To Be One Of Two Canadian Cities To Host The NHL's Return
It feels like it's been forever since the 6ix got exciting sports-related news, but here we are. Toronto has reportedly been selected as one of two hub cities to host the NHL return this summer. TSN's Bob Mckenzie announced the news on Wednesday, following months of speculation about whether hockey would resume this year.
According to reports from TSN and SportsNet, Toronto and Edmonton will be the two cities to host the NHL's long-awaited return.
While no formal announcement has been made by the league just yet, TSN's Bob McKenzie sent out a promising tweet on Wednesday.
"Barring any last-minute complications, and we have seen some of those (Vancouver and Las Vegas), the two NHL Hub cities will be Edmonton and Toronto," Mckenzie shared.
"Nothing carved in stone just yet, but if there are no hiccups in finalizing the tentative agreement, NHLPA membership could be voting on RTP/CBA/transition/critical dates by Friday or Saturday," he added.
CBC reported that Toronto Public Health remains in the dark about the situation, which would undoubtedly involve the installment of numerous COVID-19 safety measures.
"As of July 1, 2020, Toronto Public Health has not been notified that Toronto has been designated as a hub city for the NHL," Dr. Vinita Dubey, associate medical officer of health, said in a statement on Wednesday.
The Toronto Sun reported earlier this month the Leaf's star Auston Matthews had tested positive for COVID-19.
The shocking news devastated both fans and those within the league, as it highlighted the potential danger associated with the NHL's return.
Meanwhile, the Toronto Raptors are scheduled to participate in the return of the NBA season, which will take place in Florida.
Fred VanVleet recently opened up about his thoughts and feelings about returning to basketball during a worldwide pandemic, saying that the season's return came with "terrible timing."
While this exciting news is yet to be officially confirmed, it's an exciting prospect for Toronto's sports-lovers.
The league's traning camps are currently scheduled to reopen on July 10, but this date could still be postponed by a couple of days.