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I'm going to start a thread on what I am being told about the AHL 2020-21 season.
I'm not really one to just throw random speculation out there, so if I'm putting something out there, at the very least I can guarantee that I consider it to be reliable.
#AHL
I'm not really one to just throw random speculation out there, so if I'm putting something out there, at the very least I can guarantee that I consider it to be reliable.
#AHL
Here is the first point.
The AHL is largely set up in geographic clusters (a few Eastern, the 401 teams, US Midwest, etc).
Three or four teams in a cluster may be (more or less) willing to play. But another team might not be able to make it work. That is a potential obstacle.
The AHL is largely set up in geographic clusters (a few Eastern, the 401 teams, US Midwest, etc).
Three or four teams in a cluster may be (more or less) willing to play. But another team might not be able to make it work. That is a potential obstacle.
So, you can imagine the domino effect that could ensue in a situation like that. You need at least some critical mass of teams in a cluster to make a season possible.
I'll update this thread as I gather more information.
I'll update this thread as I gather more information.
One disclaimer: nothing that I include here is necessarily a deal-breaker. Just as the NHL had to sort through its issues, these are just issues that have to be sorted through in the AHL. That's just the reality of hockey (and the world) in 2020.
Also on the table for at least a few teams: playing in their practice facilities. Without fans, playing in a practice facility could be more financially practical.
Something to think about: if you have a key prospect on loan in Europe in a good situation, do you risk bringing him back to play in the AHL, have to quarantine him, and have him miss playing time?
What if the AHL starts play and then his team's season is delayed by a lockdown?
What if the AHL starts play and then his team's season is delayed by a lockdown?
This is just one of many issues for a team to consider.
As we have team, some teams have been extremely aggressive in finding European homes for prospects. Others have been less aggressive (or less successful) in doing so.
As we have team, some teams have been extremely aggressive in finding European homes for prospects. Others have been less aggressive (or less successful) in doing so.
Of course, the answers to these questions could vary from organization to organization and from prospect to prospect.
