The NHL has officially released the list of critical dates for the upcoming season. Though many of these have been previously reported, they are now locked in place for the league.
December 31: Training camps open for seven non-playoff teams from 2019-20.
January 3: Training camps open for 24 playoff teams from 2019-20.
January 13: 2020-21 regular season begins.
April 12: Trade deadline (3pm ET)
May 8: Last day of regular season.
May 11: Stanley Cup Playoffs begin.
July 9: Last possible day of Stanley Cup Final.
July 17: Deadline for expansion protection lists (5pm ET).
July 21: Seattle Kraken expansion draft (8pm ET).
July 23: Round 1 of NHL Entry Draft.
July 24: Rounds 2-7 of NHL Entry Draft.
July 28: Free agent signing period begins (12pm ET)
In addition to the critical dates, the league has issued a rule change for the upcoming season. Rule 83.1, which is the off-side rule, now includes:
A player is on-side when either of his skates are in contact with the blue line, or on his own ide of the line, at the instant the puck completely crosses the leading edge of the blue line. On his own side of the line shall be defined by a “plane” of the blue line which shall extend from the leading edge of the blue line upwards. If a player’s skate has yet to break the “plane” prior to the puck crossing the leading edge, he is deemed to be on-side for the purpose of the off-side rule.
This “in the air” clarification has been speculated on for years and will likely reduce the number of challenges used by coaches.
The league has also released its transition rules and medical protocols, which include some clarification to what happens to a player if he tests positive for COVID-19. In that case, the player will be eligible to be placed on long-term injured reserve.
Could this rule change also lead to MORE challenges, as it may be argued that a players nose broke the plane, therefore he was onside. Or does it only apply to skates?
Just read the full rule…seems to be only skates that matter.
@Gavin – “his own ide of the line”
@MacJab-
I’de be lying if I’de be onside.
Happy Holidays Bro
@Dave – Happy Holidays to you, too! And this might help brighten the mood, as well:
That well-known referee that some of us really like: “After reviewin’ the play……it was determined….WE HAVE A GOOD GOAL!!!”
Never heard of him,lol. I know it isn’t Kimmerly. He ran me every game for no good reason.
I’m cracking up laughing-thanks.
Finally! For those of us that hate the NFL, we’ve been completely without sports since MLB season ended! Drop the puck already!
Very few people i wish to see contract covid and succumb to it…
But one is here.
You mad bro?