Could the NHL afford to skip the 2020-21 season? Let’s start with the obvious: a start date of Jan. 1, mid-January or sometime in February — which some teams believe is still possible — would likely mean a shortened season. That could mean upward of 65 games or as low as 48 games, like we’ve seen in seasons impacted by work stoppages. According to league sources, a 48-game season is considered the absolute minimum at this point.
After that shortened regular season, expect a traditional 16-team Stanley Cup playoff tournament. “We want to make it as traditional a tournament as we possibly can. We want to maintain the competitive integrity of the playoffs, for sure,” said Daly, who wouldn’t rule out an expanded postseason but indicated it is “not currently being contemplated.”
Could the NHL afford to skip the 2020-21 season? Let’s start with the obvious: a start date of Jan. 1, mid-January or sometime in February — which some teams believe is still possible — would likely mean a shortened season. That could mean upward of 65 games or as low as 48 games, like we’ve seen in seasons impacted by work stoppages. According to league sources, a 48-game season is considered the absolute minimum at this point.