Shanahan: NHL's hub-city proposal 'most workable' idea for return

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Toronto Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan supports the NHL's latest proposal of using up to four hub cities to host multiple teams, separated by division, for a potential return to hockey if health officials deem it safe.

"I do like the idea of four hub cities, the idea of bringing each division to that hub city. It's one of the best ideas - or most workable, I guess is a better way of putting it," Shanahan told Sportsnet's "Tim and Sid" on Thursday.

"We're not talking about doing it right now or any time right around the corner, but when the time is safe and when the proper authorities give the clearance to do so, under the right precautions, I think that it is a very workable scenario."

The NHL recently abandoned the idea of hosting games at non-NHL rinks, with commissioner Gary Bettman citing a lack of accommodations and difficulty televising the games at smaller venues.

The league is looking at cities where the coronavirus outbreak has been more contained. While no locations have been determined, ESPN's Greg Wyshynski reported that the rinks of the Edmonton Oilers, Carolina Hurricanes, and Minnesota Wild are considered the early front-runners.

Shanahan said the Maple Leafs have been contacted in regards to Toronto potentially being one of the host cities.

The NHL recently extended its self-quarantine period for players and staff until April 30. The league officially went on pause March 12.