TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA (KMOX) - The National Hockey League announced they've reached a tentative agreement with players for a 56-game season in 2021. Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly says, "`We have a tentative Agreement with the Players' Association on plans for the 2020/21 NHL Season. The agreement is subject to approval by both of our respective constituencies.''
The seven teams that did NOT make the playoffs last time would begin preseason training December 31, while the remaining 24 clubs - including the St. Louis Blues - would start practice January 3. It's expected the Canadian teams would be playing in their own division, but could still possibly come to the United States for the season. Health departments in the five provinces with NHL teams have not indicated how they see playing hockey right now.
The agreement is tentative because it still is pending a vote by the NHL Board of Governors and the NHLPA. It's unclear at this point when those votes may take placye. The season has been delayed over coronavirus restrictions, including the closing of the border between the U.S. and Canada.
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