PHOENIX — The NHL is continuing to have daily discussions with teams as its season remains on hold, although there hasn’t been much of an update on how or when the league will resume.
Coyotes General Manager John Chayka still remains optimistic that they’ll be able to finish out the full regular season and playoffs, but ultimately the amount of time away will play a big role in that.
“Obviously, from a player safety standpoint, a competitive integrity standpoint, whatever we do decide to do is going to have to be in line with a discussion with the players,” said Chayka, who acknowledged that this is likely the longest the players have been away from the ice since they were kids.
But, Chayka isn’t just sitting back as the wait continues, he’s using his analytical skills to get a better understanding of the landscape of the situation.
“I’ve spent a lot of time putting my data analysis skills to try and create some of my own models in terms of what this outbreak looks like, this pandemic," he said.
Chayka said although he’s not a medical expert, he’s learned a lot about data sciences and how it applies to everything. He believes the ability to take in information and dictate it will help determine the timeline for the NHL’s return.
In the meantime, Chayka along with Coyotes president and CEO Ahron Cohen have pledged to donate 20% of their salaries to support the Arizona Coronavirus Relief Fund and other Arizona nonprofits.
“I felt it was right to do that and it was really Ahron Cohen’s idea at first. He brought it to me and I thought it was a great idea and we could partner on it and do it together.”
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