We don't know when (or even if) the NHL will be able to resume its 2019-20 season. But when it comes to potential formats for the remainder of the season's schedule, the NHL is prioritizing being able to finish the regular season in some form before the postseason begins.
On Thursday's episode of TSN's Insider Trading, Pierre LeBrun said that several sources on Monday's Board of Governors call told him that Gary Bettman reiterated "the league's preference and its priority to try to have some regular season games before a playoff.