Key Dates Set for Upcoming NHL Season

The NHL is back, baby! 

The league and the players have agreed to terms and the board of governors have signed off on it, and we can't wait for training camps to open next week. The puck drops on the regular season on January 13th and there's a bunch of other dates you should be circling on your calendars.

1. Players who want to opt-out have until December 24th for non playoff teams, December 27th for playoff teams from last season
2. Season will go from January 13th to May 8th, assuming no stoppages for health and safety
3. The 2021 NHL deadline will be April 12th
4. The 2021 NHL Draft would take place July 23rd and 24th
5. Group II restricted free agents must be signed by February 11th to be season eligible
6. NHL teams must submit their protection list for the Seattle expansion draft by July 17th

Shown is a calendar of critical dates for the upcoming NHL 2020-21 seasonhttps://t.co/3B8UOBLIyt pic.twitter.com/fwGWRboLge

— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) December 20, 2020

One thing to consider as well, all teams must carry three goaltenders at all times, this includes one on your taxi squad, according to Sportsnet's Chris Johnston. With a condensed schedule goaltending depth is going to be very important this season. 

The only thing left to work out is if all the Canadian teams can play in their home cities, forming the brand new 'North Division'. Sounds like the Vancouver Canucks have been shot down and will be heading to play in Edmonton. 

For all those stating the Canadian teams who don't get approval will be heading south, that's not going to be the case at all. 

Keep an eye on early this week, more news should be dropping regarding the North Division set up.

Photo credit:  Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire