Report: NHL teams concerned about older staffers if play resumes

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NHL clubs are worried about the health of senior personnel in the event that the 2019-20 season is allowed to proceed.

Following a report that NBA general managers are weighing the risks of permitting older staffers to be around teams if the league's postponed campaign resumes, NHL teams have raised similar concerns, according to ESPN's Emily Kaplan, who added that a solution is yet to be determined.

The CDC says older adults are at higher risk of contracting the coronavirus. On average, eight of every 10 deaths reported in the U.S. have been adults who are 65 years of age or older.

The NHL - which paused its season amid the coronavirus pandemic on March 12 - is currently evaluating the feasibility of resuming play in several hub cities, presumably without fans present.

However, that likely won't happen for some time, as the second phase of the league's return-to-play plan - the reopening of club facilities - reportedly can't go ahead until "the large majority" of teams are given clearance to do so.

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