The economic concerns caused by COVID-19 are myriad. State, local, and Federal governments are strapped for cash due to declining tax rolls, and individual businesses of all sizes are strained.
It’s always a good idea to remind yourself of the fact that the NHL, which is our hobby and a source of escapism, is a business. They’re strapped too, and the employees - the players - want to be taken care of for their work. Right now, the league and the Players’ Association are trying to work out the deals of the next CBA. Both sides assume that the current down-time while teams are waiting for camps to officially begin is the perfect time to prevent a work-stoppage.