As of today, the NHL still has no official plan to restart the 2020-21 season. Things will have to pick up if an early January start is still a possibility. If not, the season will be shorter than many fans hope and the playoffs will be pushed fast so things can get back to normal for the 2021-2022 season.
The owners are reportedly fighting for a prorated salary and the players want the money they signed for during the collective bargaining agreement this past summer. This could lead to a big problem if any side wants to delay things.
Sportsnet insider and former NHL GM Brian Burke came out and said for the first time he is legitimately worried about having a season and the future of some markets. If the season did not happen the point he made are valid as people have less money and patience for things during the year 2020. Getting fans back in some markets will be difficult. It may be hard to get fans to show up in markets with bottom teams already and a full season off might be the final nail in the coffin.
If the season does get started, the New Jersey Devils were a possibility briefly for an outdoor game which will not be happening. Sticking in the headlines despite going nine months without an actual game, the organization said that Jack Hughes will not be released for the World Junior Championships.
Normally I would be trying to keep him with the team for the season and why risk an injury, especially to a potential star, but as it stands now I disagree with this choice. If the season was to get going, having Hughes in actual game ready shape with games under his belt would be a big bonus not to mention playing against younger players. He would absolutely dominate there and that would do wonders for him after a disappointing rookie season. The only downside as a fan could have been missing a few games with the Devils, but what would be better for the young man than winning games for his country.