(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)The NHL announced Sunday the league will begin its 2020-21 season on Jan. 13. Teams will play 56 games in this pandemic-shortened season. The expansion draft (Seattle’s first season in the league is 2021-22) will be held July 21. Realigned divisions, playoff seeding alteredThe divisions are realigning due to the cross-border travel ban between Canada and the United States. Follow NHL return to play updates here:

(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)Reports on the NHL’s return to play in January are rolling out this weekend. Insider Pierre LeBrun reports the season will start Jan. 13 (as expected) with a trade deadline scheduled for April 12. The NHL’s regular season -- expected to be cut short to just 56 games -- will end May 8. Teams will play within their divisions with the top four in each division making the playoffs. Read more: NHL eyes division play only; Sharks to ArizonaFollow NHL return to play updates here:

There is another report on what the realigned NHL divisions will look like when the new season starts in 2021. As previously reported, if the season can start mid-January, the league expects to have a 56-game regular season. They ended up playing a 48-game season, just as they did in 1994-95 due to another lockout. Bettman: NHL divisions must realign for 2021 season, Canadian-only division probableIf you like my stuff, sign up for my newsletter. You can still sign up for the newsletter and send me your critical feedback as much as your heart desires:

The NHL is expected to start its shortened 2020-21 season on Jan. 13, according to numerous reports out this week. and Winnipeg, which have strict current restrictions due to COVID-19.” Elliotte Friedman, SportsNetAs previously reported, if the season can start mid-January, the league expects to have a 56-game regular season. Where this puts the Red WingsThe Detroit Red Wings likely will end up in a division that looks something like this:ChicagoColumbusDetroitFloridaNashvillePittsburgh/Minnesota? TampaI guess we can call it the “Central Division,” although there has been some talk of special division names for this, well, special season. My only concern, ever, is that the Red Wings get permanently shifted back to a Western Conference division.