NHL announces key dates for 2020-21 season, rule change

Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

NHL announces key dates for 2020-21 season, offside rule change

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 12/22/20

Earlier this week, the NHL announced Jan. 13 as the start of the 2020-21 season. On Tuesday, the league announced some key dates and a change to one of the most controversial rules in hockey.

The Stanley Cup Playoffs will begin on May 11 with the last possible day of the Stanley Cup Final on July 9. Round One of the NHL Draft will then take place on July 23 and free agency will open up on July 28.

The @NHLPA and @NHL have announced critical dates, medical protocols, transition rules and a rule change for the 2020-21 season.

Details: https://t.co/NLripqvf6N (includes links to COVID-19 Protocol, Positive Test Protocol & Travel Protocol) pic.twitter.com/9MOwpidv1B
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) December 22, 2020

The offside rule has now been changed to say that a player's skate will not have to be in contact with the blue line in order to be deemed on-side.

The 2020-21 campaign also will feature divisional realignment due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The Canadian teams will play in the North division while American teams have been realigned based on region.

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