The NHL has been negotiating with its players to begin the new NHL season, and the Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to begin their new season January 13th.
The NHL and NHLPA both have the same interests in mind. They want the fans to get to watch hockey this winter. While this may seem simple, there were a lot of specifics that needed to be worked out including where the Canadian teams will play. There’s no doubt that the Toronto Maple Leafs are pleased that a tentative deal was finally reached.
The understanding at this point is that the league will be playing a 56-game schedule that begins on January 13. That date is very quickly approaching. It was important that the league stuck to this timeline as teams like the Maple Leafs have already made decisions based around it that have a great impact. Such was the case when the Leafs had Nick Robertson skip the IIHF World Junior Championship.
Leafs fans now not only know the projected start of the season but also some more important 2020-21 NHL schedule dates. This should allow teams to begin their planning.
Toronto Maple Leafs and the 2021 Season
Bob McKenzie tweeted out the dates for the 2021 NHL Entry Draft on Sunday morning. This was confirmed by a tweet from Darren Dreger. He also shared the expected date for the NHL Trade Deadline date. and the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.
April 12, 2021 has been marked as the NHL Trade Deadline. July 23/24 are the dates for the NHL Draft.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) December 20, 2020
Another important date is the start of free agency. Traditionally, this takes place on Canada Day, July 1. Due to Covid-19, free agency will be pushed back to July 28. The end of the season is expected to be May 8.
As new information is learned about the NHL-NHLPA deal, the tweets from hockey insiders continue to roll out. Chris Johnston shared some very important information as well.
NHL teams are required to carry at least three goalies at all times this season, between the active roster and taxi squad.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) December 20, 2020
This settles any questions about who the Leafs will bring with them to be their goaltender this season. While it won’t be an equal split in goal, it’s clear that the Leafs are all set between the pipes. Freddie Andersen will be the team’s starting keeper. He will be backed up by Jack Campbell and Aaron Dell, should the later clear waivers and get assigned to the Taxi Squad.
Certainty is a wonderful thing. It’s even better when it results in hockey. Finally, Toronto Maple Leafs fans know when and what to expect for the upcoming season.