With plenty of speculation about a potential return circulating in recent weeks, the NHL and NHLPA issued a joint statement Wednesday night that offered some optimism but few specifics about when the league could resume action after being shut down March 12 due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

“Despite numerous reports and speculation over the last several days, the NHL and the NHLPA have not made any decisions or set a timeline for possible return to play scenarios,” the statement begins.

The league’s “Return to Play Committee” reports it has shifted its focus to Phase 2 of the process.

Players and teams remain in Phase 1, which recommends “self-quarantine.” Phase 2 will include players returning to small group activities in team training facilities.

The statement did not offer a date for the transition to Phase 2, but suggested that as long as conditions continue to “trend favorably,” subject to competitive concerns due to one team’s market trending more favorably than another, it could come in mid-to-late May.

“The Return to Play Committee will continue to meet regularly,” the statement concluded.

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