It’s hardly a slam dunk – or empty-net goal – that the NHL will be able to successfully restart its 2019-20 season. That is especially true if players around the league agree with the Rangers’ Artemi Panarin, who on Thursday implored players to not report to training camps on July 10 unless the league and its players union resolve the issue of the league holding a portion of players’ salaries in escrow.
An extension of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement, which calls for owners and players to split hockey related revenue 50-50, is among the things the league and union are trying to work out, along with solid health and safety protocols for the 24-team restart.