Lamoriello 'extremely optimistic' NHL season will resume

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New York Islanders president of hockey operations Lou Lamoriello strongly believes the postponed NHL campaign will start up again in one form or another.

"I'm extremely optimistic that we will play at some time as far as this season," Lamoriello told Newsday's Andrew Gross on Thursday. "Whether it's in June, whether it's in July, whether it's in August, I'm not thinking about that. I'm just thinking, in my mind, knowing that we will play and using this time to get ready for that.

"But, prior to that, the most important thing is everyone staying safe and everyone doing the things in the best interest of their families because we're in a different world today."

The league postponed play March 12 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. On Tuesday, the NHL reportedly extended its self-quarantine directive for players until April 15.

Teams have reportedly been asked to provide available arena dates in August, and deputy commissioner Bill Daly subsequently said the league would try to fit games into that month if it had to do so.