The most recent rumors surrounding the 2019-2020 NHL season is that it may lead to a delayed 2020-2021 campaign. As the league weighs its options, postponing the start of next season seems like an attractive plan.
It is no secret that the NHL, as well as other sports leagues, are in a difficult situation. Currently, the leagues are tasked with finding an acceptable way to resume the current seasons, while adhering to safety guidelines regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recent reports indicated that the NHL is considering pushing the start of next season to December 2020, in favor of completing this year’s regular season and playoffs. For several reasons, this is how the league needs to proceed.
First, it allows for a meaningful, and somewhat normal, completion of the 2019-2020 season. Everyone wants to see this season be finished, but it must be done in a manner that allows the crowning of a champion to carry weight.
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Expanding the playoff field too far, or cutting the number of wins necessary to claim the Cup too drastically, will forever put an asterisk next to the 2020 champion. The NHL wants to finish the regular season and conduct the playoffs as usual, and delaying next season is the best way to do that.
Second, it provides the potential for a full 82-game season to be played next year. Now, is that a best case scenario that is very doubtful to happen? Yes. The option is there though, and even if it turns out to not be feasible, a 48-game season, like we saw in the 2012-2013 lockout year, would fit very well, should the 2020-2021 season begin in December or later.
That lockout shortened season proved to be a reasonable lead up to the playoffs, and no one questions whether or not the Chicago Blackhawks deserve to be called champions. A short campaign next year seems like a positive tradeoff to complete this season.
Finally, it leaves more time for COVID-19 to subside, or at least for the world to find better ways to deal with it. We really have no idea what is to come for the sport industry, but this at least buys time. Not to mention, it increases the likelihood that fans can be in attendance at games next season.
A December 2020 start for next season would be a win for any consumer or player that wants to see minimal disruption to the hockey world as we know it. If the NHL wants a respectable finish to this season, and a reasonably uninterrupted season next year, delaying next season’s start until December makes the most sense.