NHL Eliminates Hub City Choice

Columbus will not host the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2020. The Columbus Dispatch reported early Monday afternoon that the Ohio city has been removed from consideration as a hub city after it was confirmed by Blue Jackets’ general manager Jarmo Kekalainen.

“I’ve said it from the start that I think we had a great case,” Kekalainen said told the Columbus Dispatch, “We’ve got a great city, easy logistics, great buildings and facilities and hotels. We had everything. It’s just the league decided to go in a different direction with two different cities.”

The city’s COVID infection, hospitalization and death rates have increased since March. Franklin County, where Columbus is located, has reported over 7,700 cases as of this past weekend.

Remaining Cities

With Columbus now gone, Las Vegas, Vancouver and Edmonton remain as favorites. Toronto is another hub city option, although the Maple Leafs are still vying for the playoffs. A decision is expected within the next week.

The NHL announced in late May that it would be returning to play with two hub cities and a play-in round for the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs.