The NHL Board of Governors has approved the agreement between the Leaque and NHLPA for a 56 game 2020-21 season.
The regular season will begin Wednesday, Jan 13, 2021 and conclude Saturday, May 8, 2021. The Stanley Cup playoffs will feature 16 teams in the traditional best-of-seven, four round format and wrap up around mid July. The plan is to return to a normal hockey calendar 2021-22 season.
“The National Hockey League looks forward to the opening of our 2020-21, especially when the Return to Play was so successful in crowning the Stanley Cup champion,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a press release.
“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 in the communities in which we live and play.”
“And as was the case last spring and summer, I think NHLPA, particularly Executive Director, Don Fehr for working cooperatively with us to get the league back to ice.”
THE NHL is going with a division realignment that include a seven team Canadian Division which still requires approval from local health officials for the games to be held north of the border.