January 1 always seemed like a difficult target for the NHL to hit, but now that the calendar has turned to December without any sort of resolution it is completely unrealistic. According to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, who this morning has summarized many reports that surfaced, the league asked about a mid-January start on a call with the NHLPA last night. They also discussed a potential 56-game schedule and a training camp that would start on January 2.
None of this, LeBrun explains, has been finalized yet as COVID-19 health restrictions and financial ramifications are too broad to sort through on one phone call. But it at least should give hockey fans some hope that a season is around the corner.
A 56-game season would be very interesting, given what happened last time the league went with a shortened schedule. Remember in 2012-13, when a lockout stole half the season, only 48 games were played. The Chicago Blackhawks would go on to basically run the table with their star-laden lineup that included a young duo named Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, but also had a 34-year-old Marian Hossa still playing at a ridiculously high level. The Blackhawks would finish first in the regular season with 77 points, losing just seven games in regulation.
But there were other oddities that year, like only a single team (Washington) coming out of the Southeast Division or the last-place team in the Pacific having a .500 record. Alex Ovechkin won the Rocket Richard with 32 goals in the shortened season, something even several years later he may be able to accomplish again in 2021.
Should this schedule be approved, players would need to quickly find their way in from overseas in order to quarantine in time for training camp. One obvious issue that may arise is the holiday season and whether international players—or even those moving between the U.S. and Canada—would be willing to spend Christmas in quarantine, preparing for the training camp on January 2. That, and the ongoing COVID-19 situation all over the world, could still end up pushing this back even further.
link to sportsnet.ca
Thanks Gavin for story on possible great news about the start of the new season.
Well, it appears Pierre’s plan differs from what Burkie just discussed on HC today, in that after he (Burkie) talked with a couple of GMs and an owner, they said the target for training camp would be on or around Jan. 15, with the players flying back to their cities around Boxing Day, and allowing for the two week quarantine. It appears the players have no interest in foregoing Christmas with their families, and I don’t blame them for that. They said they would try to get the season going on Feb. 1. Of course, that is assuming there is progress in COVID containment, etc. At least cancellation isn’t on the front burner, yet. (Sorry for throwing a bit of water on the fire, there, @G! Hope you’re doing well!)
They should be realistic.
Have a 30 game season (each team plays each other team once, like the short season mode on EA’s NHL game) and just get to the part everyone cares about, the playoffs.
That makes no sense, all that travel for such a short season.
Bubbles. Double bubbles, if need be.
Have the Metro play the Pacific at Staples and Honda for a week or two. Have Central teams come into MSG and Prudential. Ottawa and Montreal. Vegas and Phoenix.
Two weeks on, one week off. Something like that.
Also, how would a 56 game season with more conventional divisional and conference based scheduling have less travel?
Triple secret bubbles!
the longer the better, but with the additional problems an indoor sport poses it may be better to be cautious. i have a feeling the vaccine will be avaiable quicker then thought and even if you required people to be vaccinated, you should be able to draw enough of said individuals to match a local indoor capacity restriction.
All Good Mac for Christmas I sent you an invitation to go Snipe Hunting here , you are the special guest. My Christmas wish that within both stories that details of all aspects together that we will have a season no matter how many games , seasons have been shortened in past due to Lock OUTS ! etc. Thou this is more serious issue , hopefully things will be worked out soon and all franchises & players will be safe. Take Care
Let’s hope so. Get it right and limit cases at all cost
I had an NHL coach at my arena 2 weeks ago. He told me they are planning for february 15. The situation is still rather fluid i would say.