On Tuesday, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman spoke with NBCSN about the possibility of finishing the regular season and the playoffs that are currently under suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gary Bettman says finishing NHL regular season ‘may not be possible’

Bettman hopes the NHL can finish the regular season and playoffs, but acknowledges that there might come a point where it is not possible. This is a new position from the Commissioner, who before now has been mute on acknowledging the possibility of a reduction to the rest of the calendar.

Deputy Commissioner told the AP that they are working to set a “last possible day” before scheduling a regular season and/or playoffs will be impossible. And while the US wants to get their economy running again, Montreal has cancelled all cultural and sporting events until July 2nd.

COVID-19: Montreal cancels all festivals, sporting events, public gatherings through July 2

Clearly, the doors are closing on the 2019-20 season as this pandemic drags on.

Leafs Branches

Hayley Wickenheiser and Ryan Reynolds (yes) are teaming up to bridge the supply gap between those who need Personal Protection Equipment and those who want to help.

Hayley Wickenheiser teams up with Ryan Reynolds and Conquer COVID-19 to source supplies in Toronto

In happy hockey news, the Leafs announced yesterday that Alexander Barabanov has signed an ELC with the team. The 26-year-old is on a one-year deal with an unconfirmed contract of up to $925,000. Please, someone, help me contain my excitement. Ilya Mikheyev has spoiled us.

Toronto has won the Alexander Barabanov sweepstakes

Justin Holl interviewed happy couple Auston Matthews and Frederik Andersen in their Scottsdale home on Tuesday. I must say, Holl is a very eloquent and polished presenter.

Mitch Marner’s girlfriend wrote this letter in support of the Kids Help Phone and to tell young people that they’re not alone.

The coaches life never stops, and that includes Sheldon Keefe, who has been watching tape instead of Netflix.

Other Hockey News

Edmonton Oilers player Colby Cave had a medical emergency yesterday. A terrifying situation.

Adam Herman of our sister site Blueshirt Banter wrote about the harassment directed at New York Rangers prospect K’Andre Miller and why we can’t just stick to sports. Worth a read.

Online harrassment of K’Andre Miller shows why the Rangers and NHL can’t stick to sports

From The Branches