The NHL feels like it was a carpet swept right out from under our feet. While it’s one thing for us fans to crave the playoff action we would usually be having at this time of year, it’s especially tough for the players who fought and earned the right to be there.

Beyond that, it’s even tougher for players that may not have much time left in the league. Guys like Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, and, of course, Justin Williams.

Williams, known endearingly as “Mr. Game 7”, was already gone from the league before deciding to come back for one final hurrah. Unfortunately, his farewell season has potentially been cut short due to the COVID-19 precautions.

With the future unknown, Williams was asked on The Atheletic’s Two-Man Advantage podcast if there’s a possibility of a return next season if his season is, in fact, over.

While he didn't explicitly say no, he hinted that he was going to stick with his original plan of this being his final NHL season, and he delivered an emotional remark to top it off.

"Right now, that's what's going on with me, I'll be comfortable - certainly not happy - if the season doesn't progress. But confident in the fact I'll be okay regardless. If that was my last game, which I really don't want to think about it, then that was my last game and I'll deal with it. It would be awful, but there's a lot worse things out there. Life will go on. But I want to play some meaningful hockey games (this season), that's what I came back to do, that's what I love doing.

Carolina currently sits in the first wild card position in the standings, meaning they would be tasked with facing the Washington Capitals in the first round if the league decided to go straight to playoffs.

One can certainly hope.