No, we won’t be seeing NHL action in July, but we could come close. Prepare to see fans wearing the hockey-sweater-with-shorts ensemble come late-June.
Such a getup may be a necessary fashion faux pas, as the Stanley Cup could be presented as late as June 28 if the final series is pushed to a Game 7.
Sportsnet’s John Shannon confirmed Wednesday that the NHL’s 48-game regular season will begin Jan. 19, as expected, and will end April 27.
After a three-day break, the playoffs – which will remain in their usual format – will commence on the First of May.
NHL Regular Season to start Jan 19, ends April 27. SC Playoffs start May 1, could go as long as June 28. #notjuly
— John Shannon (@JSportsnet) January 9, 2013
Of particular interest to fans is the league’s trade deadline, which Shannon expects to see land on April 3.
Typically trade deadline day falls in late February. For 2013, it will be pushed until after the Major League Baseball season opens.
NHL Critical Dates calendar still being massaged, but look for Trade Deadline day to be Wednesday, April 3rd.
— John Shannon (@JSportsnet) January 9, 2013
The 2013 NHL Entry Draft is currently scheduled for June 28-29 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Some reporters have speculated that date could be pushed into July.
Some of the marquee rivalry matches set for Jan. 19 have also begun to surface.
LA Kings will host the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday, January 19th. Banner and ring night!#DropThePuck
— John Shannon (@JSportsnet) January 9, 2013
Dave Nonis’ first game as GM will be Saturday, January 19th…TML at Montreal. #DropThePuck
— John Shannon (@JSportsnet) January 9, 2013