According to multiple sources the NHL and NHLPA have agreed to have a season. January 13, 2021 is the current date they are shooting for.
This new shortened NHL season will also include realignments. Rumors of the Canadian NHL teams being put into their own division have turned out to be true. How will this effect the AHL? There have been rumors floating around saying that AHL teams affiliated with Canadian teams based in the United Sates will relocate to Canada. I could see this happening. It does only effect three teams though. The Bakersfield Condors (Edmonton Oilers), Stockton Heat (Calgary Flames) and Utica Comets (Vancouver Canucks). I could also see the NHL extending the number of players they keep with the NHL team. I could see them keeping players that are first or second line AHL player that go back and fourth during a normal season. There has also been rumors of some NHL teams looking to play all of their home games outdoors. I like this idea. I think the NHL and hockey could transition from arenas into stadiums.
European hockey is in full swing. The KHL (Russian league) started pretty much on time. Junior hockey and the NCAA have found ways to have a season. The ECHL will be starting Friday. Their is no word on when the AHL will start. I think it will start around when the NHL starts.
Zac Electrifly 