Restruc­turing planned

In light of the coronavirus pandemic, those in charge of the National Hockey League (NHL) are planning restructuring measures and a reduced schedule for the coming season. Accordingly, the season is not to be played entirely in isolated "bubbles", but games could be held in one arena for ten to twelve days at a time, according to Commissioner Gary Bettman.

"You play a few games without travelling, then go back home for a week to your families," Bettman explained. The league is also considering geographically realigning the divisions in order to reduce travel.

An all-Canadian division is one possibility. Following a coronavirus interruption of more than four months, the league completed the previous season in two isolated bubbles in the Canadian cities of Edmonton and Toronto without any positive coronavirus tests.

The EC Grand Immo VSV appear to be on the verge of pulling off a rather spectacular coup. As reported by the "Krone", Michael Raffl is set to move to the ICE Hockey League side from Villach. The 31-year-old would strengthen the Carinthian club until the new NHL season, which is due to start in early January, gets under way.

The Villach side are reportedly already in agreement with the NHL professional, but his employer, the Philadelphia Flyers, still have to give their approval. Red Bull Salzburg are also said to have courted the winger, but the fact that Raffl's wife from Villach is expecting their second child is said to have tipped the balance in favour of VSV.