As hundreds of women’s hockey players continue their boycott, the NHL is preparing for every scenario in case the matter needs resolving.
That includes the potential of starting a women’s league, but only if the time is right.
“[NHL] commissioner Gary Bettman has been very consistent about this,” said Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman during the Headlines segment of Hockey Night in Canada. “He says he will not get involved as long as the NWHL is still playing and in operation. But it is believed that he also knows that if something changes, he has to have a plan.
“He won’t comment on this,” Friedman continued, “he just wants to stay out of it, but there is word that the NHL is working on a women’s league if the time ever becomes necessary.”
The NWHL is still in operation, but with players pushing for a unified North American league, the NHL does have a tentative plan for its operation.
“I think six teams, maybe two in Canada,” said Friedman. “But it sure sounds like there is a plan being worked on and put in place in case the NHL needs to step in.”
The undefeated Boston Pride currently lead the NWHL through six games with a perfect 6-0-0 record.
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