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.