Insider says NHL may delay its regular season

We could have guessed this was coming sooner or later, but we have our first confirmation that the NHL is at least considering delaying or pushing back its regular season as a result of the concerns around the COVID-19 global pandemic. TSN Insider Pierre LeBrun says he's been told by a source that "it's also a possibility for the NHL to delay/push back its season. Not saying it will necessarily happen, just reporting that it's a possibility. Lots of different conversations happening right now."

LeBrun's "also" comes from the fact that this is a move also being considered by the NBA. 

According to news today, the Columbus Blue Jackets will have to play the remainder of their home games without spectators due to an order issued by the governor of Ohio. The San Jose Sharks are facing a similar situation. While Canada has not been as hard hit as the U.S. by the Coronavirus so far, it's likely just a matter of time before there are more confirmed cases in the country. 

What, exactly, a delayed season will mean for the playoffs remains to be seen. Could we see fewer rounds, or perhaps rounds being best three-out-of-five rather than seven games? One would think something would have to be done in order to give players a proper break over the summer before training camp begins again in September. This is a developing situation that seems to be changing by the hour.