The NHL announced Thursday that the 2019-2020 season would be paused, effective immediately.
The announcement comes less than 24 hours after the NBA suspended its season after Utah Jazz forward Rudy Gobert tested positive.  On Thursday, Donovan Mitchell, another player for the Jazz, also tested positive.
“The National Hockey League is aware of the NBA’s decision tonight to indefinitely suspend its season due to a player testing positive for the coronavirus,” the league said in a statement late Wednesday.  After consulting with medical experts, the NHL decided it would be best to follow the lead of the NBA. 

Sportsnet reported that the Utah Jazz played four games in the last two weeks in buildings that host NHL cities, including Boston, New York, and Detroit.
These developments likely concerned the NHL, as NBA and NHL teams sometimes share locker rooms.
Things were looking bleak this morning.  The NHL cancelled all morning skates, practices, and team meetings today.  “Teams have been asked to provide arena building availability through the end of July,” insider Frank Seravilli added.
The NHL was set to play games with empty arenas as early as Thursday night, as the Columbus Blue Jackets were expected to host the Pittsburgh Penguins.
“Our goal is to resume play as soon as it is appropriate and prudent,” the NHL said Thursday in a statement.  “We [wish to] complete the season and award the Stanley Cup.”
As for the Islanders, they were supposed to play in Calgary tonight.  Coincidentally, there was a confirmed coronavirus case there on Thursday.  The Islanders practiced in Scotiabank Saddledome on Wednesday.

No quotes and soundbites are available from the team, as Brendan Burke tweeted that media availability was cancelled this morning.  It is assumed that they will return back to Long Island as soon as possible.  No one on the team has tested positive for coronavirus.  It is unknown if players will be tested.
This is a developing story, and more information will be relayed as it becomes available to the general public.  We at Drive4Five are monitoring the situation as best as we can, and we hopes that everyone remain safe and healthy during these uncertain times.