The two words hockey fans around the world have been waiting months to hear; “GAME ON!”
NHL approves 2020-21 season to begin January 13
Gary Bettman issued a statement announcing the new season:
“The National Hockey League looks forward to the opening of our 2020-21 season, especially since the Return to Play in 2019-20 was so successful in crowning a Stanley Cup champion. While we are well aware of the challenges ahead, as was the case last spring and summer, we are continuing to prioritize the health and safety of our participants and the communities in which we live and play. And, as was the case last spring and summer, I thank the NHLPA, particularly Executive Director Don Fehr, for working cooperatively with us to get our League back on the ice.”
The regular season will begin on January 13 and conclude on May 8. There will be no exhibition games which will allow for a short training camp spanning around 10 days for RTP teams and 13 days for non-RTP teams.
“The Players are pleased to have finalized agreements for the upcoming season, which will be unique but also very exciting for the fans and players alike,” Fehr said. “During these troubled times, we hope that NHL games will provide fans with some much needed entertainment as the players return to the ice.”
NHL.com
NHL Realignment and Playoffs
The NHL has finalized realignment which will include an all Canadian division named NORTH. The other three division based In the U.S. will be EAST, WEST, and CENTRAL.
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Top four teams will make the playoffs in each division after 56 games. The first place team will play the fourth and the second place team will play the third. Round three will be seeded by points, and since there are no conferences we could see anything happen with matchups.
Other tidbits
Teams will play games in their own arenas where possible. Some fan attendance where allowed can be expected. Schedules will be released soon.
Key Dates:
- Trade deadline 4/12
- Expansion Draft 7/21
- NHL Draft 7/23 – 7/24
- Free Agency 7/28
Info on Taxi Squads: