Gretzky confident NHL will return in summer

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Wayne Gretzky is confident the NHL will find a way to overcome its current coronavirus-induced pause and resume the 2019-20 campaign in a few months.

"I really believe somehow, someway, that the leadership in this country and in Canada, that we’re going to figure this out," Gretzky told The Canadian Press. "And I really believe that we’ll see hockey and some sort of other sports in June, July, and August, albeit in a different way, but I really see it coming to fruition. I think it’s going to happen."

The NHL halted business operations March 12, and has stated teams will play games into August if they have to. The league is currently weighing numerous scenarios, including how to determine a fair postseason format for teams on the playoff bubble, and whether neutral-site games are feasible while considering border closures and travel restrictions.

It's evident there are plenty of hurdles for the NHL to clear before a potential return, but Gretzky remains positive.

"Maybe I’m wrong," Gretzky said. "Maybe I’m too optimistic. I think I’m not. I hope that that’s a good sign for everyone that we’re moving on in life, in business, in sports. I really see in the next couple months something good happening."

All major sports leagues around the world remain shut down for the foreseeable future. The PGA Tour is the only organization to unveil its contingency plan, recently announcing a return to action without spectators for June 11.