NHL, players are close on deal for 56-game season

NHL, players close to deal for 56-game season,

There will be hockey this season. All that’s left to do it dot the i’s and cross the t’s.

The NHL and the NHL Players’ Association have agreed to the framework of a 56-game season, according to Sportsnet and TSN. The season will begin Jan. 13 with training camps opening on Jan. 3.

The agreement still needs to be ratified by the NHL Board of Governors and the NHLPA, who are both expected to meet tonight. Because it is not yet official, the dates are subject to change and could be pushed back.

There is still plenty that has not been decided, including how the divisions will look. It was widely expected that the seven Canadian teams would form their own division to avoid crossing the border with the U.S., which is strictly regulated as of now because of the pandemic. But that is subject to Canadian provincial authorities’ approval. If that does not come, the Canadian teams could be relocated to the U.S. this season.

A 56-game regular season would put the NHL on a path to finish the playoffs and award the Stanley Cup before July 21, a soft deadline because of the Olympics. NBC is the TV rights holder for both the Stanley Cup Playoffs and Olympics, and the hope is to avoid a conflict.

If the offseason is indeed ending in just over two weeks, the Golden Knights have some housekeeping to take care of. Currently they are about $974,000 above the salary cap, according to Capfriendly, meaning they would need to make a roster move to be cap-compliant. That could involve a trade or waiving a roster player.