NHL Sets a Date to Return Next Season!

The NHL and the NHLPA continue to hammer out the details but one thing that has been agreed upon is a start date of January 13th.

The season will be a 56-game schedule and there will be realignment amongst the divisions, including an all-Canadian division. There's still lots to vote on from the Board of Governors but at this point, the NHL is closer to returning than ever before.

Here's some notes from those close to the table:

I want hockey back as bad as anyone else, but let me reiterate: the Covid situation could still de-rail things. That's the part nobody at the NHL and NHLPA are taking for granted. If not de-rail, then perhaps further delay. So yes, Jan. 13 puck drop is the plan but...

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) December 8, 2020

Sources say there will be no more discussions on proposed financial changes to the MOU outlining the terms of the CBA. Sunday the NHLPA proposed more deferred money, but didn’t include an increase in escrow percentage at any point. Focus now on a mid Jan start to season.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) December 8, 2020

Expect an announcement by the end of this week regarding all the logistics of the 2020-21 NHL season. Sounds like some markets will have fans in the stands early on in the season, while there's expected to be many more outdoor games coming as well. 

The only thing that can de-rail these plans is a massive Covid spike, so let's hope everyone is staying safe and following the health protocols in place.

 Photo credit: Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire