The National Hockey League and players reached an interim agreement on Friday to host a 56-game season in 2021, pending approval by each side’s executive board and Canadian health officials.
The season will begin on January 13. Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly confirmed that the parties have an agreement, pending the approval of the various executive committees.
The NHL Players’ Association Council meets Friday night to discuss the deal, while the league’s board of governors could soon vote on the plan. Approval by health officials from the five Canadian provinces that have teams is still required before the NHL can continue the season.
The training camps for the seven teams that did not participate in last season’s post-season ball will open on December 31, the remaining 24 teams will start on January 3.
It is unclear whether the teams will play in their home arenas or in the “hub” cities, although a divisional program is expected.
The NHL finished last season in one of the two center cities of the postseason – Edmonton, Alberta, where the Tampa Bay Lightning won the Stanley Cup, defeating the Dallas Stars.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.