Don't Expect Any Preseason Games Next Season

Talk about jumping right into the mix, according to Elliotte Freidman of Sportsnet, when the NHL and the NHLPA agree to their new deal, don't expect to see any exhibition games.

Tougher to get a strong grip on economic discussions. Obviously very sensitive. Players have made it clear they will not touch 6 per cent escrow cap in final three years or CBA...We will see on deferring money....both sides working at it
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) December 5, 2020

From all accounts, it sounds like a 56 game season, no exhibition games, a completely new divisional alignment, and a much different economic structure for next season. There's also a chance we see many more outdoor games so markets can get fans in the stands and revenue into the owner's pockets. Let's hope with no preseason, there aren't a number of players who get injured early on in the season.

The league is going to lose tens of millions this season so they are trying to find the best solution to limit the money lost and making the players happy all in one swoop.

We don't care what it looks like, just drop the puck!

In a meeting on Friday, the NHL & NHLPA decided to forego talks regarding finances and get straight to what a return to play could look like.

More from @PierreVLeBrun: https://t.co/ktcBcgRz7C #TSNHockey pic.twitter.com/8LVQsT5KOU
— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) December 5, 2020