Ever since the Stanley Cup Finals concluded in October, hockey fans have known that figuring out how to approach the 2020-21 NHL season would be tricky. Things still aren’t completely clear, but new reports are giving fans more info on when hockey might return. Multiple sources on Friday announced the NHL is now looking at mid-January as the start for the next season.
As others have reported, NHL now aiming for mid-January start and we're now looking at a 52 or 56-game schedule, at best.
— Emily Kaplan (@emilymkaplan) December 4, 2020
But bc of the financial stalemate between the NHL & NHLPA, there have been no meaningful convos between the sides yet on format, protocols, opt outs, etc
2021 NHL Season: Journey Into the Unknown
These reports give hope that hockey can return soon. However, there’s still a lot of factors that have to be figured out before players return to the ice. As Kaplan says, the league and players still need to decide on a number of formalities. These include the number of games, safety protocols, and more.
As an avid hockey fan, it is a relief to feel like hockey will be back soon, although nothing yet is guaranteed. The most important thing is ensuring that players remain safe while still being able to compete. The NHL’s Stanley Cup Playoffs bubble in Canada was a huge success. Replicating that environment for an entire season would require a huge amount of work.
One of the biggest factors still being worked out is how the league will handle travel. Divisions may be altered to accommodate safe and easy travel. As a fan of an Original Six team, I personally would love to see an Original Six division. That dream is unlikely, but it will be interesting to see how the NHL shakes up divisions if that is what they decide to do.
Sportsnet released a report Thursday claiming that certain teams are exploring the option of playing their home games outdoors. To that I say, sign me up! Take the Winter Classic, but make it every game. I don’t think there’s a hockey fan out there who wouldn’t be on board for that.
A lot is still up in the air regarding the next NHL season. It is nice to know that there is a timeframe now on the table for when hockey can come back. Hockey fans can breath a short sigh of relief with this most recent news and then keep looking out for what the NHL decides to do next.
Follow me on Twitter @mikeadzima and check out more NHL news and content from the Belly Up Sports team.
