The National Hockey League and players reached a tentative deal Friday, Dec. 18, 2020, to hold a 56-game season in 2021, pending the approval of each side's executive board and Canadian health officials. The NHL and players reached a tentative deal Friday to hold a 56-game season that would begin Jan. 13. Players on the NHLPA’s executive board call Friday night supported moving forward with the agreed upon terms, according to a person with knowledge of the meeting. Approval from health officials in the five Canadian provinces that have teams is still needed before the NHL can go ahead with the season. The NHL, like the NBA, finished its previous season in a quarantined bubble — two of them, one each in Toronto and Edmonton, Alberta.

Commissioner Gary Bettman said Tuesday night the NHL is targeting a Jan. 1 start for next season. That declaration came after recent talks between the league and NHL Players’ Association. NHL teams are expected to get camps of at least two weeks, just as they did before the expanded playoffs over the summer. Free agency opens Friday, with the NHL looking to speed through the offseason while planning to play in 2021. “It’s kind of been refreshing to get back and have somewhat of a tentative date for when we’re going to be coming back,” Washington Capitals defenseman Brenden Dillon said.

FILE - In this May 27, 2019, file photo, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman speaks to the media before Game 1 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals between the St. Louis Blues and the Boston Bruins, in Boston. Bettman unveiled a 24-team straight to playoffs format the league will use if it can clear the other hurdles to resume its season. The NHL and the NHL Players' Association must still figure out health and safety protocols and solve other issues, including where to play. Bettman has said the goal has always been to play again and award the Stanley Cup, but details remain uncertain. For us to even finish the season and award (the Stanley Cup), I know a lot of work went into it.

Commissioner Gary Bettman is expected to offer details on the NHLs return to play during a news conference at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. Insiders say Bettman will discuss the 24-team format agreement reached by the NHL and the NHLPA players union. From the NHL: ``National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman will make an announcement today at 4:30 p.m. Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) May 26, 2020PROGRAMMING NOTE:@NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman will appear on NBCSN today to make an announcement about the league's Return To Play Plan. ET NBCSN NHL on NBC (@NHLonNBCSports) May 26, 2020It is expected the details of the NHL draft and draft lottery timing/format will be part of todays big reveal by the NHL on RTP format(s).