Player poll reveals thoughts on another bubble, season length and most improved teams

No one really knows yet what the 2020-21 NHL season will look or how it will be played, but according to a new poll of players by The Athletic, most aren't willing to spend a lot of time in another bubble.

The Athletic polled a total of 34 players from 12 different NHL teams, asking them different questions regarding next season. The players, of course, were guaranteed anonymity. When asked how long they'd be willing to go into a bubble in order to complete the 2020-21 season, almost 62 percent said half the season, while another 32 percent said not at all. The remaining were fine with however many games it took to get the season done.

“The bubble in Edmonton wasn't great,” said a Western Conference player. “If it was like the Toronto one then it wouldn't be so bad. I would say half the season max.”

As for how many games should be completed to make up a shortened season, the majority (59 percent) said at least 50. Another 26.5 percent wanted at least 60, while the remaining said 70 or more.

"I think if you try to jam too many games in, that's when games can get canceled,” said a Western Conference player. “I think if we spread it out, 60 games would be perfect. The hockey might even be better — guys'll be rested a little more.”

Asked if they would be comfortable playing in front of fans next season, a large portion (79.4 percent) were absolutely fine with it. Around 17 percent said only if capacity is reduced at stadiums, while a very small portion said they weren't comfortable with it at all.

The last question asked players to list the team they thought would be better in 2020-21 given the moves they've made so far. Montreal got the most votes with six, followed by Buffalo (4), Colorado (4), Detroit (3), Toronto (3), Vegas (3) and Washinton (2). As for which teams got worse, Chicago took the top spot, followed by Arizona and Vancouver.

“Pissing off their core franchise players never helps anyone,” said a Pacific Division player regarding the Chicago Blackhawks.

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