"COVID is going through a second wave, which could be worse than the first wave," Bettman said. "Between Thanksgiving and the aftermath and what [experts] think are going to happen at Christmas and the aftermath, we are taking our time and making sure that as we look for ways to move forward, we are focused on health and safety and doing the right thing."

Bettman said training camps will not be significantly truncated, and he expects that teams will request to play at least one or two exhibition games before the season begins. Bettman also said the Canadian border remains an issue, and an all-Canadian division -- in which the seven Canadian teams play only one another -- remains a strong possibility.

Forward prospect Janne Kuokkanen, acquired in a trade with the Carolina Hurricanes on Feb. 24, and defenseman prospect Ty Smith, the No. 18 pick in the 2018 NHL Draft, should challenge for key roles.

"Coach is just going to throw me out there and see how I respond," he said.Florida Panthers Team NHL Face Coverings

After his playing career, Sasakamoose returned to the Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation north of Saskatoon. He became a band councilor and chief and worked to develop minor hockey and other sports programs across Saskatchewan.NHL Face Coverings

University of North Dakota players Jasper Weatherby and Jacob Bernard-Docker took a knee during the national anthem before their game against Miami (OH) on Wednesday, in what is believed to be the first such demonstration against racial injustice during an NCAA Division I men's hockey game.Nashville Predators Team NHL Face Coverings

The NHL is figuring out a way to help owners with cash flow. On Monday, the Sports Business Journal reported that NBA teams will each receive $30 million from the league to help with finances and protect against any liquidity issues due to the pandemic. A league source told ESPN on Monday that the NHL is working on a similar plan, but didn't reveal any details on what that stimulus package would look like. The stimulus package would help teams cover operational costs and potentially allow for the rehiring of some employees who were furloughed or laid off during the pandemic.Carolina Hurricanes Team NHL Face Coverings