Report: Oilers 'full steam ahead' in bid to host games if season resumes

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The Edmonton Oilers are "full steam ahead" in their bid to be one of the NHL's hosts for games if the season resumes this summer," TSN's Ryan Rishaug reported Friday.

The process is "looking fairly optimistic," as Alberta health officials have been open to speaking with the Oilers and further talks are planned for next week to discuss how hosting games in Edmonton could potentially work, according to Rishaug.

Though no decisions have been made, the NHL has reportedly intensified talks about a potential plan to station teams at up to four hub cities not deemed to be coronavirus hotspots, where the season would be completed. Toronto and Columbus are apparently among the leading contenders.

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said Wednesday that the league hopes to move to the second stage of an eventual return over the next month. At that point, teams would be allowed to begin opening practice facilities for small group workouts.