With the NHL and NHLPA inching closer to a resolution on the 2020-21 season, teams are beginning to prepare for the reality of a forthcoming campaign. While the Canadian clubs have issues to work out before the season can begin, the San Jose Sharks are another team facing questions. Santa Clara County has banned contact sports locally through at least January 8, a policy that was recently extended and could be extended again as Coronavirus numbers remain high. This proves problematic for the Sharks, who as a reigning non-playoff team would be eligible to begin training camp on December 31 and may need to host games as early as January 13.
The Sharks’ solution appears to lie in following a fellow Bay Area team south. An anonymous source tells the Associated Press that San Jose will open their season in Arizona, much like how the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers have moved to Arizona to conclude their own season. While there is no word on whether the Sharks will share a facility with the Arizona Coyotes as the 49ers have done with the Arizona Cardinals, that is the expectation. Fortunately, this move will not disrupt the NHL’s current plan for realigned divisions and exclusive inter-division play this season, as both teams have been slotted for a new-look Pacific Division.
The AP source remained anonymous on this issue as details both on the league’s return to play and on the Sharks’ move have not been finalized nor have they been made public. NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly took the same approach, telling the AP that he would not discuss details related to the Sharks’ plans as details of the restart still need to be papered and voted upon by the NHL Board of Governors and NHLPA both. The Sharks have additionally declined to comment on the relocation proposal. However, given the lack of any contrary reports, the restrictions facing San Jose, and the path already paved by the 49ers, it is a safe bet that the Sharks are Arizona-bound at least to open training camp and to begin their 2020-21 season.
As a sharks fan living in AZ this is exciting news considering Seattle will be taking the coyotes division spot when Seattle joins the league, and there will be less chances to see them as often in the future
Why not start even where the Warriors or Kings plays or Utah because none of Canadian teams might play at if have to play in USA.
Do they bring the shark head with them down to Arizona?
Just pause the restart. Either fold the season and rebegin next year, or make it a tournament style for the playoffs only. No need for a meaningless season, like the play-in tournament last year. It totally devalued the regular season. Making a fake playoffs made the season irrelevant to teams like Edmonton and Pittsburgh.
Make it worthwhile for those clubs, or just cancel the regular season and make a tournament for each. Not worth the time and heart for a meh season, and then wtf start to post season.
And Arizona has next to no rights having a team. The only persons who think they will survive are Bettmann or the maroon he convinces to buy them when they become bankrupt again.
Good for hockey there are stupid states like Arizona who care more about money than public health. Nhl shpuld be in bubble or shut down.
Rumor around Boise is that Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton could use the ECHL Steelheads rink if those clubs are forced to move into the states for the season.
How do they even get into the states?
maybe if they combine they can make the playoffs