Storm Advisory 12/21/20: NHL News, Daily Links, and Roundup

Players and owners agree to a 56-game season to start in January, predictions for the Hurricanes moving forward and new division alignments.

By Zeke Lukow Dec 21, 2020, 9:00am EST

If you buy something from an SB Nation link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.

NHL: Vancouver Canucks at Carolina Hurricanes

Yesterday’s News Today

The owners and players have agreed to terms to play the 2021 season with a 56 game season. [Canes Country]

So, to recap:
Puck drop: Jan. 13
Trade deadline: April 12
End of reg season: May 8
Expansion draft: July 21
NHL draft: July 23-24
Free-agent Frenzy: July 28
July 29: LeBrun goes to cottage https://t.co/um2EkAIOc6
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) December 20, 2020

Reading Assignments:

More takes on the new NHL season this time from ESPN. [ESPN]

Hurricanes general manager Don Waddell, head coach Rod Brind'Amour and captain Jordan Staal will have a Zoom media availability at 2:30 p.m. tomorrow following today's announcement that the 2021 56-game season will start Jan. 13.
— Andrew Schnittker (@aschnitt53) December 21, 2020

Division alignment will change for the upcoming season. This time the Carolina Hurricanes benefit from the realignment. [NHL.com]

The @NHLPA and @NHL have announced an agreement to play a 2020-21 regular-season schedule of 56 games beginning on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021. https://t.co/2on0oStnMd pic.twitter.com/aggYeVMjfj
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) December 20, 2020

Just found out we're in a new division!

Let's get to know our rivals for the 2020-21 season! (with stock footage) pic.twitter.com/AVvG4NzQdd
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) December 20, 2020

The upcoming NHL season promises a difficult and different experience. [Sportsnet]
The best of Tripp Tracy and Mike Maniscalco’s Reddit AMA. [Carolina Hurricanes]

everyone’s celebrating the season starting and we’re just over here like pic.twitter.com/4LH1GvAqep
— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) December 20, 2020

The season’s playoff format could produce some unusual playoff matchups. [NBC Sports]

I can confirm NHL teams can now put a sponsor's branding/logo on helmets starting this 2020-21 season, subject to category restrictions.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) December 20, 2020

How will Jesper Fast perform, what is Andrei Svechnikov’s ceiling and other Hurricanes questions/predictions. [$The Athletic]
Henrik Lundqvist’s heart condition and retirement means uncertainty for the Washington Capitals in net. [NHL.com]
Work still remains for the NHL before puck drop on the 2021 NHL season. [TSN]