NHL Rumors: Jan. 13 Start To Season Still Target, Even As Date Draws Closer

Time is winding down, but the goal remains the same

We get it, you're looking at the calendar and thinking: No way the NHL is starting games in less than a month.

Well, that's still the plan.

The NHL and NHLPA continue to hammer away at a framework for a 2020-21 season, but obviously there are a number of logistics to take care of.

But according to The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun, the objective remains to begin the season Jan. 13.

As much as it feels like it's pushing it, both NHL/NHLPA feel Jan. 13 start date is still in the cards at this hour... both sides still working away on completing season documents. Reminder that both BOG vote and NHLPA Exec Board votes will be needed after the documents are done
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) December 17, 2020

Under the reported target, teams that did not take part in the bubble would report to training camp by the end of the calendar year, while the 24 bubble teams would begin camps around Jan. 3.

There's a lot to take care of, but it appears all parties have their eye on the same goal -- which arguably is the matter of chief importance.