Rumor: 2020/2021 NHL season to start January 1st with Winter Classics

While the NHL has been handing out news, left,right and centre lately regarding their phased approach to restarting this season, some have begun to wonder what impact it will have on the 2020/2021 season. It's become obvious now, that the season's start will be delayed. NHL commissioner, Gary Bettman made his rounds earlier this week with the media, and he may have leaked his #1 choice for when to start the 20/21 season.

While Mr Bettman was being interviewed by Sportsnet, the question was asked on what his plan was for the following season:

Perhaps it's December, or perhaps we start next season in January with the Winter Classic

via GIPHY

Upon learning about this quote, we dug a bit deeper and connected with a few executives, one NHL employee had this to say to NHLTR:

Bettman's baby has always been the winter classics. It makes a ton of sense given the timelines being discussed for most of October and November to be 'off' hockey, and December having the training camps ramp up for a January 1st start. It also allows the league to finish the season in time, to keep the 2021/22 starting in October 2021. I would say there's merit to this. 

We will pass along more information once we have it, for now, let's get this season done first!

Photo Credit: John Crouch/Icon Sportswire