The NHL and NHL Players’ Association have engaged in talks and have set a target start date for the 2020-21 season. The target start date is January 13 and all teams would play 56 games. Under this proposal, the players would be scheduled to report to training camps on January 3, 2021.
With this unprecedented season, the league is rumored to make other big changes to ensure the safety of the players and teams. The league could expand the roster size from 23 players to 26 players for the season. Along with this, four additional players could be added for the “taxi squad”. The NHL also proposed a temporary division realignment which will reduce travel. It was also rumored that teams want a three-game series matchup against opposing teams. More news is soon to come.
Here are the rumored divisions if realignment is voted on:
2020-21 Season Division RealignmentÂ
Division 1:
Boston Bruins
Buffalo Sabres
New Jersey Devils
New York Islander
New York Rangers
Philadelphia Flyers
Pittsburgh Penguins
Washington Capitals
Division 2:
Carolina Hurricanes
Columbus Blue Jackets
Detroit Red Wings
Chicago Blackhawks
Florida Panthers
Minnesota Wild
Nashville Predators
Tampa Bay Lightning
Division 3:
Anaheim Ducks
Arizona Coyotes
Colorado Avalanche
Dallas Stars
Los Angeles Kings
San Jose Sharks
St. Louis Blues
Vegas Golden Knights
Division 4:
Calgary Flames
Edmonton Oilers
Montreal Canadiens
Ottawa Senators
Toronto Maple Leafs
Vancouver Canucks
Winnipeg Jets