NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE

Odd terms, items or non-players that one team gave up to acquire a player.

Biden labor secretary to depart to lead NHL players association

The National Hockey League has returned from its All-Star Break, and the Detroit Red Wings are set to return to action Tuesday night on home ice, as they prepare to host the Edmonton Oilers. The Red Wings come out of the break well out of a playoff spot, but have plenty of time to make up ground if they can string some wins together. Despite underwhelming many throughout the season, the Oilers are still in a Wild Card spot, hoping to get up into the top three in the Pacific Division. Last season, the two clubs split the regular-season series, with the home team coming out on top in both contests. ETWhere: Little Caesars Arena (Detroit, Mich.)Stream: ESPN+Check out the NHL standings and results on NHL.com

On Saturday, the best players in the National Hockey League join fellow top players from their division to battle for bragging right in the annual All-Star Game tournament. This will be the seventh time the NHL has used the 3-on-3 format at the All-Star weekend, pitting players representing the Atlantic, Metropolitan, Central and Pacific against one another. A couple of notable first-timers in the All-Star Game include former University of Michigan standout, Matty Beniers representing the Seattle Kraken. Detroit Red Wings’ captain Dylan Larkin will be representing Hockeytown once again, as he will be making his third All-Star Game appearance on Saturday. Check out more stories about the Detroit Red Wings here on MLiveWhat: NHL All-Star GameWhen: Saturday, February 4Time: 3 p.m.

While the National Hockey League regular season takes a break, the league’s top stars get set to show off their abilities, while having some fun along the way, in the annual All-Star Skills Competition. Pitch ‘n Puck will see players use both hockey and golf skills on a par-4 hole at one of the local courses in South Beach. A couple of players that will join in on the festivities include some of the best women’s hockey players in the world. Check out more stories about the Detroit Red Wings here on MLiveWhat: NHL All-Star Skills CompetitionWhen: Friday, February 3Time: 7 p.m. ETWhere: FLA Live (Sunrise, Fla.)Channel: ESPNStream: FuboTV (Free Trial), Sling, DirecTV StreamCheck out the NHL standings and results on NHL.com

Professional hockey claims to want greater diversity, but won’t stand up to criticism.

Liberals in sports media have collectively condemned Philadelphia Flyers' Ivan Provorov for not partaking in an LGBTQ Pride event this week citing his religious beliefs.

In a nation and a world which is more politicized and polarized, sports fans were hoping major league sports would stay out of "identity politics."

Former NHL player Gino Odjick died in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, from a heart attack at the age of 52. He played with four teams during his 12 year career.

The NHL is playing clean-up after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' office blasted the National Hockey League for hosting a "discriminatory" job fair

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis's office is blasting the National Hockey League after it announced a job fair that only allows certain groups of people to attend.

As ‘The Great Eight’ chases the NHL lead-scoring record, LeBron James is close to breaking NBA record. Other records may soon fall too.

On Monday, the National Hockey League heads outside for its annual New Year showcase, as two of the top teams in the league face off when the Pittsburgh Penguins and Boston Bruins head to Fenway Park in this year’s Winter Classic. Watch the NHL on DirecTV StreamThe Winter Classic has been a staple on the NHL calendar since Sidney Crosby and the Penguins beat the Buffalo Sabres on New Year’s Day in 2008. This will be the Penguins’ record-tying sixth outdoor game, tying them with the Chicago Blackhawks for the most in league history. Monday will be the fifth time the Original Six franchise will partake in an outdoor game, and the first since beating the Flyers at Lake Tahoe in 2021. What: 2023 NHL Winter ClassicWho: Pittsburgh Penguins (19-10-6) vs. Boston Bruins (28-4-3)When: Monday, January 2Time: 2 p.m.

Here's everything you need for the Falcons-Saints game, from the point spread, moneyline, total Over/Under and expert pick from Warren Sharp.

A biological woman suffered a concussion at a hockey game last month after being pushed to the ground by a biological male during a tournament in Wisconsin.

The storied club’s owners need a sale after more than a decade of ownership has delivered paltry returns.

A new 70-page report is out detailing serious allegations inside the University of Michigan’s storied men’s hockey program. Former players and coaches describe a toxic culture within the program, rewarding silence while also punishing those who spoke out.

The Detroit Red Wings have the No. “Certainly, a little bit more familiarity with all the players,” Yzerman said. Yzerman said the Red Wings will select the best player available regardless of position. “Overall, they’ll make it if they’re good enough and they have the determination to make it. More: Red Wings take a center in mock draft

The 47-year-old hockey veteran was just named the general manager of the San Jose Sharks. Grier comes from a line of sports executives, with both his father and brother working in the NFL.

Regional sports network NESN will charge $29.99 per month for digital service after a $1 promotional first month for New England-area subscribers.

Watch the NHL Playoffs on DirecTV StreamEDMONTON OILERS vs. COLORADO AVALANCEGAME 1When: Tuesday, May 31Time: 8 p.m. Makar is second in defensemen scoring in these playoffs, tied with MacKinnon for the team lead with 13 points.\GOTTA SEE IT: HELM THE HERO! 🤯In the final seconds of the third period in Game 6, Darren Helm scores the series-clinching goal to send the Colorado Avalanche to the Conference Finals. Presented by @Charmin pic.twitter.com/gQkwlkuIjG — Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 28, 2022Watch the NHL Playoffs on FuboTV (7-day free trial)Like Colorado, the Edmonton Oilers are a team finally meeting expectations, after years of playoff disappointment as well. He has seemingly just stood pat in his own end, rarely having been called upon to steal a game for the Avalanche.

Watch the NHL on FuboTV (7-day free trial)THE BEST OF THE WORSTThe draft lottery is almost as exciting as the draft itself, as a team’s fate has the chance to change, based on where they end up in the first round. THE RED WINGS STILL HAVE A CHANCEDespite a rather optimistic start to their season, the Detroit Red Wings started to really tail off in the second half of the season, much to the chagrin of General Manager Steve Yzerman. The last time the Wings picked first-overall in the NHL Draft came all the way back in 1986, when they selected Joe Murphy. Shane Wright from the Kingston Frontenacs of the Ontario Hockey League is at the top of the NHL Central Scouting’s draft board. Check out the top prospects list from NHL Central ScoutingWhat: 2022 NHL Draft LotteryWhen: Tuesday, May 10Time: 6:30 p.m.

The official, identified as Joe Foley, was taken away in a stretcher.

Carolina comes in following their second consecutive division title after their best regular season since moving from Hartford. Carolina looks like to keep up their winning ways against Boston in this series, as they won all three meetings during the regular season. The two rivals split the four-game regular season series, with each team squeaking out a close victory, while blowing out the other team as well. The Wild come in following their best regular season performance in franchise history. Edmonton had L.A.’s number during the regular season, winning three of the four matchups in 2021-22.

Al Sobotka said the Detroit Red Wings employee who turned him in for urinating in a drain while working has taken over as the team’s new Zamboni driver since Sobotka’s termination.

Former Detroit Red Wings Zamboni driver Al Sobotka spoke one-on-one with Local 4 about the urinating incident, being fired by the team, his current mental state and whether he would go back to his old job, if asked.

Longtime Zamboni driver Al Sobotka was fired by the Detroit Red Wings because he urinated into an ice pit while working, according to a wrongful termination lawsuit.

Longtime Zamboni driver Al Sobotka is suing the Detroit Red Wings, claiming he was wrongly fired because a medical condition forced him to urinate in an ice pit while working.

Another tough loss after a solid performance stretches the Detroit Red Wings’s losing streak to four games. They will look to try and reverse the trend against one of the worst teams in the National Hockey League, the Ottawa Senators. The Red Wings ended the month of March on a big wimper. Watch the Detroit Red Wings on DirecTV StreamThey are coming off a solid effort against one of the top teams in the Metropolitan Division, falling in overtime on Wednesday night to the New York Rangers. Check out more stories about the Detroit Red Wings here on MLiveWhat: NHL HockeyWho: Ottawa Senators (23-37-5) vs. Detroit Red Wings (26-32-9)When: Friday, April 1Time: 7:30 p.m.

Longtime Detroit Red Wings zamboni driver Al Sobotka has been fired.

Coming down to the end of the month, the Avs have gone 7-4-2 so far in March. Watch the NHL on ESPN+Calgary has surged to the top of the Pacific Division after a so-so start to their 2021-22 campaign. The Flames’ 88 points are 10 back of the Avalanche, but are looking to end the month of March strong, as they are 9-4-1 so far this month. What: NHL HockeyWho: Colorado Avalanche (46-14-6) vs. Calgary Flames (40-17-8)When: Tuesday, March 29Time: 9:00 p.m. ETWhere: Scotiabank Saddledome (Calgary, Alberta)Stream: DirecTV StreamCheck out the NHL standings and results on NHL.com

Following the National Hockey League’s Trade Deadline, two of the best teams as of late, including the team with the best record, meet on Monday night, as Nathan MacKinnon and the Colorado Avalanche host Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers. The Avs are currently the best team in the enitre league, and are on their path to another President’s Trophy as the best team during the regular season. Colorado comes into Monday night on a three-game win streak, and are 5-3-1 in the month of March. What: NHL HockeyWho: Edmonton Oilers (35-23-4) vs. Colorado Avalanche (44-13-5)When: Monday, March 21Time: 9:30 p.m. ETWhere: Ball Arena (Denver, Colo.)Stream: ESPN+Check out the NHL standings and results on NHL.com

After a...wild game on Thursday night, the Detroit Red Wings hit the road, and will try and end their losing skid when they take one of the....hottest teams in the National Hockey League, the Calgary Flames, on Saturday night. A couple nights removed from their 9-2 loss to the Arizona Coyotes, the Red Wings battled the Minnesota Wild on Thursday night. Watch the Detroit Red Wings on DirecTV StreamThe Wings were unable to complete the comeback falling to the Wild 6-5 in a shootout, extending the Wings’ losing skid to four. They now head Northwestern Canada, starting off their road trip against the Pacific Division-leading Calgary Flames. Check out more stories about the Detroit Red Wings here on MLiveWhat: NHL HockeyWho: Detroit Red Wings (24-27-7) vs. Calgary Flames (35-15-7)When: Saturday, March 12Time: 7:00 p.m.

The Detroit Red Wings are licking their wounds after an abysmal performance against one of the worst teams in the National Hockey League. They will try and get back on the winning track when they host the struggling Minnesota Wild on Thursday night. Watch the Detroit Red Wings on DirecTV StreamIt marked the second time this season Detroit has given up nine goals (they lost 10-7 to the Toronto Maple Leafs 11 days ago). Check out more stories about the Detroit Red Wings here on MLiveWhat: NHL HockeyWho: Minnesota Wild (33-19-3) vs. Detroit Red Wings (24-27-6)When: Thursday, March 10Time: 7:00 p.m. ETWhere: Little Caesars Arena (Detroit, Mich.)Channel: Bally Sports DetroitStream: DirecTV StreamCheck out the NHL standings and results on NHL.com

The Detroit Red Wings have placed alternate captain Danny DeKeyser on waivers on his birthday.

Several Russian athletes are facing hateful messages online for not publicly denouncing Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Several Russian athletes are facing hateful messages online for not publicly denouncing Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

From vodka to soccer, retailers and international sporting bodies have announced boycotts of Russian goods and benched Russian teams in a symbolic global movement designed to show solidarity with Ukraine.

Sports leagues and professional athletes are hitting Russia with their own kinds of sanctions as Vladimir Putin's military persists in its invasion of Ukraine.

Play-by-play announcer Everett Fitzhugh and analyst JT Brown will be in the booth for the Seattle Kraken game Thursday against Winnipeg.

No National Hockey League participation and a COVID-halted World Juniors have lent a mix of desperation and release to men's hockey at the 2022 Winter Olympics.

Eric Staal is relishing the opportunity to captain Canada's men's hockey team at the 2022 Winter Olympics.

Watch the NHL All-Star Weekend on FuboTV (Free Trial)NHL ALL-STAR SKILLS COMPETITIONWho: Atlantic vs. Metropolitan vs. Pacific vs. CentralWhen: Friday, February 4Time: 7:30 p.m. Watch the NHL All-Star Weekend on FuboTV (Free Trial)NHL ALL-STAR GAMEThe games to determine which division is the best is set for Saturday. The “semifinal” matchups will feature the Metropolitan Division taking on Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and the talented Atlantic Division squad that also sees Detroit Red Wings’ captain Dylan Larkin making his second All-Star Game appearance. The Western Conference matchup will see the Edmonton Oilers’ Connor McDavid try to help continue the Pacific Division’s dominance when they take on the Central Divison, captained by Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon. Only the Metro and Pacific Divisions have ever been victorious since the format was introduced in 2016, with the Pacific coming out on top three times.

Jake Chelios has a very familiar name to hockey fans, but the Chicago-born son of NHL legend Chris Chelios is on the Team China roster as name Jieke Kailiaosi.

Longtime NHLer Eric Staal will serve as the captain of Canada's Olympic men's hockey team at the 2022 Winter Olympics.

On "The Takeout" podcast this week, Major Garrett shares extended interview with the National Hockey League's first Black player.

In order to make it to the NHL, O’Ree had to keep a little secret from the Bruins.

Matthew Stafford and Justin Verlander aren't the only former Detroit athletes thriving. Here are 13 players who have left the city in the last decade and found greater success with other teams.

There seems to be a light at the end of the long, dark tunnel Detroit sports fans have been stuck in for the better part of a decade.

The Detroit Red Wings have placed goaltender Thomas Greiss in the league’s COVID-19 protocol.

The Detroit Red Wings game against the New York Islanders scheduled for Wednesday (Dec. 29) has been postponed due to COVID concerns for both teams.

The NHL pushed back its return from an already extended holiday break an extra day by postponing its entire 14-game Monday schedule for COVID-19 testing reasons.

The NHL announced Friday it is pushing back its return by a day, so all Monday games have been postponed, including the Detroit Red Wings’ contest at the New York Rangers. The Red Wings’ next scheduled game is Wednesday at the New York Islanders. Detroit had two games postponed this week, Monday at home vs. Colorado due to the number of Avalanche players in COVID protocol, and Thursday at Minnesota due to the increasing number of Red Wings in COVID protocol (11 players). Teams are permitted to return to practice on Sunday, but the Red Wings haven’t announced yet whether they will return to the ice at that time. More: Simon Edvinsson leads Red Wings’ large contingent at World Junior Championship

The omicron Covid-19 variant is spreading across professional sports faster than at any time since the start of the pandemic. Part of that owes to 95% or more of players in the National Football League, National Basketball Association, Women's National Basketball Association, National Hockey League, Major League Soccer, and National Women's Soccer League reportedly having been vaccinated. The NFL is postponing games, as tens of players, including stars and starters, on different teams test positive each day. The NBA has postponed a couple of games lately, but seen several big-name players placed into the league's Covid protocol. A chunk of that knowledge owes to scientists studying data generated by activities of sports leagues, teams, and players throughout the pandemic.

The alarming surge in COVID infections is prompting city leaders, heads of companies, and even sports officials to withdraw from public events that could potentially expose more people to the virus.

One fear now is that Omicron infections will further disrupt manufacturing and shipping, worsening supply chain backlogs.

One fear now is that Omicron infections will further disrupt manufacturing and shipping, worsening supply chain backlogs.

Just as Americans and Europeans were eagerly awaiting their most normal holiday season in a couple of years, the omicron variant has unleashed a fresh round of fear and uncertainty — for travelers, shoppers, party-goers and their economies as a whole.

The league will begin its holiday break starting at the end of Tuesday night's games, postponing the five remaining games scheduled for Thursday.

NHL players will not be participating at the 2022 Winter Olympics after all due to growing COVID-19 concerns.

The expected move by the NFL comes as the NHL has said it will postpone the games of several hockey teams due to a rise in Covid cases.

A quiz to test your knowledge of festive sports traditions!

More than 100 individuals throughout the NFL, NBA, and NHL entered Covid health and safety protocols this week.

Detroit native Everette Fitzhugh has been following his professional hockey dreams without even having to lace up his skates. He now works as a broadcaster for the Seattle Kraken.

"It is clear now that our organization did not do the right thing," the Blackhawks said Monday.

Florida Panthers coach Joel Quenneville says he'll meet with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman on Thursday to discuss his involvement in the Chicago Blackhawks’ sexual abuse scandal.

The NHL returned to ESPN with a doubleheader that averaged 884,000 viewers, and TNT's coverage attracted more than 669,000 viewers.

In day three of the new National Hockey League season, a division champion from last season beings their season against a team a few years removed from Stanley Cup glory, as the Florida Panthers get set to take on the Pittsburgh Penguins. Last season, the COVID-altered realignment, the Florida Panthers were one of the best teams during the regular season, taking second in the Central Division. However, after a rough and physical series against the eventual Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning, the Panthers bowed out in the first round. Now, they have a slightly re-tooled roster, with the goal of getting up towards the top of the Atlantic Division. What: NHL HockeyWho: Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Florida PanthersWhen: Thursday, October 14Time: 6:30 p.m.

That means about 99% of NHL players have gotten the vaccine. "All of our officials are vaccinated. All of the personnel that come into contact with the players are vaccinated," the commissioner adds.

History will be made on the opening night of the 2021-22 National Hockey League season, as the newest franchise in the league meets one of the more recently added franchises, when the Seattle Kraken head to Sin City to meet with the Vegas Golden Knights. With a lot of excitement, fanfare, merchandise sales and a little bit of expectations on-ice, the Kraken are set to begin their inaugural season in the league. After the Expansion Draft this past offseason, many are excited to see how this team will perform on the ice. However, since that magical season, the Golden Knights have been unable to make it back to the championship series, including losing in back-to-back semifinals. What: NHL HockeyWho: Seattle Kraken vs. Vegas Golden KnightsWhen: Tuesday, October 12Time: 10:15 p.m.

After a rather short offseason, the National Hockey League returns on Tuesday night, with the two-time defending Stanley Cup Champions kicking things off, as the Tampa Bay Lightning get set to host the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Lightning are the second team to win back-to-back Stanley Cups since the beginning of the salary cap era in 2005. The only other team to win back-to-back Cups in the last 15 years was the Pittsburgh Penguins, when they achieved the feat during the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons. What: NHL HockeyWho: Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Tampa Bay LightningWhen: Tuesday, October 12Time: 7:30 p.m. ETWhere: Amalie Arena (Tampa, Fla.)Channel: ESPNStream: FuboTV (7-day free trial), Sling, DirecTV Stream, ESPN+Check out the NHL standings and results here

The company may be wagering that the line between football and gambling will inevitably be erased.

Learn more about the history of hockey ahead of the Beijing Olympics.

U.S. sports leagues are offering make-goods with new inventory but experts suggest it will lead to a crowded sponsorship space in 2023.

Can you help us settle a little newsroom debate? Which Detroit sports team will have the best winning percentage next season?

Officials have released three 911 calls from the moments after an NHL player was fatally struck by a firework this weekend in Novi.

A goalie from the National Hockey League was killed this weekend in Novi when a firework struck him in the chest, an autopsy reveled.

The Latvian Ice Hockey Federation says the death of Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks is a loss to the entire country of Latvia.

Here are tonight's top stories.

A goalie from the National Hockey League was killed this weekend in Novi when a firework struck him in the chest, an autopsy reveled.

Here's what's coming up on Local 4 News at 5.

Here’s what you missed Local 4 News at 4:

A goalie from the National Hockey League was killed this weekend in Novi when a firework struck him in the chest, an autopsy revealed.

I think it’s safe to say he’s a world class playmaker, first and foremost.

The National Hockey League is coming to TNT.

Turner Sports is the surprise winner of the National Hockey League’s second television package.

Todd Bertuzzi #44 of the Detroit Red Wings skates against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center on January 9, 2014 in San Jose, California. AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – Former Detroit Red Wing Todd Bertuzzi has been charged for driving drunk in Auburn Hills last month, according to police. Bertuzzi failed roadside sobriety evaluations and was arrested for operating while intoxicated, Auburn Hills police said. He was taken to the Auburn Hills Police Department and refused a breath test, officials said. Bertuzzi was taken to the Oakland County Jail and released after 12 hours, pending toxicology results, police said.

BUFFALO, NY - MARCH 21: referee Tim Peel #20 waves off a goal as the Buffalo Sabres face the the Montreal Canadiens during their NHL game at First Niagara Center on March 21, 2012 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Dave Sandford/Getty Images)The NHL has decided to fire a game official who was caught on audio saying he “wanted to get” a penalty against the Nashville Predators during the team’s game Tuesday night against the Detroit Red Wings. https://t.co/mrnDc61W5P pic.twitter.com/tKsg2SwGh8 — NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 24, 2021The Predators won, 2-0. Both teams received three penalties, then the Predators got a fourth for putting the puck over the glass. Nashville was 1-2 on the power play while Detroit came up empty in three power play opportunities.

PITTSBURGH - MAY 04: The NHL logo behind the net during the game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the New York Rangers prior to game five of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2008 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs on May 4, 2008 at the Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)The National Hockey League (NHL) announced Wednesday a new TV and streaming deal with the Walt Disney Co. and ESPN. The NHL said the deal includes:Exclusive coverage of the Stanley Cup Final on ABC in four of the seven years of the agreement, with the ability to simulcast/megacast on ESPN+ and additional ESPN networksThe return of live NHL action to ESPN networks with 25 exclusive national regular-season games on ABC or ESPN75 national regular-season games per season produced by ESPN that will stream exclusively on both ESPN+ and HuluHalf of the Stanley Cup Playoffs on ABC and ESPN each season; and coverage annually of NHL’s Face-off (opening night games)The NHL All-Star Game and Skills Challenge, plus other NHL special events each season. The NHL’s out-of-market streaming package will now be available for fans to stream only as part of an ESPN+ subscription.

Is the Matthew Stafford deal the biggest trade in Detroit sports over the last 20 years?

___Boston College has postponed two men’s basketball games this week because of positive COVID-19 tests, prompting the Atlantic Coast Conference to juggle its schedule. Carolina, Dallas, Florida, Nashville and Tampa Bay have all had games postponed because of the pandemic. ___The Chattanooga Mocs have postponed a pair of men’s basketball games after a positive COVID-19 test among the team’s Tier 1 personnel. ___The Southern Conference postponed three games because of positive COVID-19 tests within the Furman and Chattanooga men’s basketball programs. Furman’s next scheduled game is Feb. 3 at Samford, while Chattanooga is slated to return to the court at Western Carolina the same day.

FILE - In this March 12, 2020, file photo, goals used by the NHL hockey club Nashville Predators are stored in a hallway in Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. The National Hockey League and players reached a tentative deal Friday, Dec. 18, 2020, to hold a 56-game season in 2021, pending the approval of each side's executive board and Canadian health officials. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)TORONTO, ONT – The NHL believes all seven Canadian teams will be able to start the season playing in their home arenas. The league has been involved in discussions with the five provincial governments that have NHL teams to try to gain approval to start play Jan. 13. The NHL realigned its divisions for the season so that the North Division — which features all seven Canadian teams — would not have to cross the U.S.-Canada border, which remains closed to non-essential travel until at least Jan. 21.

The league released a first-of-its kind schedule Wednesday featuring four realigned divisions based on geography and limited to division play only. Each team will play 56 regular-season games, which will be squeezed into what’s tentatively scheduled as a 116-day stretch ending on May 8. It includes an NHL first: An all-Canadian North Division made up the nation’s seven teams will play each other nine or 10 times. The NHL took into account the possibility of the ban being extended by having the Sharks open with eight straight road games. Arizona’s schedule features the Coyotes playing a league-high 10 consecutive home games, though the Coyotes will also play eight straight on the road at one point.

The National Hockey League and players reached a tentative deal Friday, Dec. 18, 2020, to hold a 56-game season in 2021, pending the approval of each side's executive board and Canadian health officials. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)Hockey is set to return Jan. 13 after the NHL and players completed a deal Sunday to hold a 56-game season that would include playoffs lasting into July to award the Stanley Cup. The league's Board of Governors voted to approve the agreement that was backed by the NHL Players' Association executive board Friday night. The NHL completed last season in bubbles in Toronto and Edmonton, Alberta, with players, coaches and staff isolated from the general public and virus-tested daily. In the three U.S. divisions, teams will play eight times against each other.

FILE - In this March 12, 2020, file photo, goals used by the NHL hockey club Nashville Predators are stored in a hallway in Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)The NHL is preparing for a pandemic-altered regular season limited to divisional play while trying to determine if the league’s seven Canadian teams will be allowed to play in their country. The deal has already received support from the NHL Players’ Association, and features a 56-game regular season beginning Jan. 13. In an email to the AP, NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly deferred questions to the Sharks regarding their status. As for the issues affecting the Canadian teams — Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver — Daly said they remain unresolved.

The National Hockey League and players reached a tentative deal Friday, Dec. 18, 2020, to hold a 56-game season in 2021, pending the approval of each side's executive board and Canadian health officials. The NHL and players reached a tentative deal Friday to hold a 56-game season that would begin Jan. 13. Players on the NHLPA’s executive board call Friday night supported moving forward with the agreed upon terms, according to a person with knowledge of the meeting. Approval from health officials in the five Canadian provinces that have teams is still needed before the NHL can go ahead with the season. The NHL, like the NBA, finished its previous season in a quarantined bubble — two of them, one each in Toronto and Edmonton, Alberta.

The NHL’s Thursday and Friday playoff games have been postponed in response to the outcry for racial injustice awareness after a Black man was shot by police in Wisconsin. The league said this was the decision of the players not to play the games and that the NHL honors that decision. The NHLPA and the NHL are committed to working to foster more inclusive and welcoming environments within our arenas, offices and beyond.”Statement from the National Hockey League Players’ Association and National Hockey League. The NHL, meanwhile, went ahead with its Stanley Cup playoff games on Wednesday. NHL players did not boycott, and the league allowed the players to make that decision.

Theyre easily one of the worst franchises in the NBA since 2009, making two fleeting playoff appearances as the No. Despite being one of the few cities with all four major professional sports teams, Detroit has had basically nothing to get excited about for years. Miguel Cabrera #24 of the Detroit Tigers reacts after grounding out in the first inning while playing the Cleveland Indians at Comerica Park on August 14, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. Then the sporting world delivered a not-so-subtle reminder that, no, Detroit, your suffering is not over just yet. Casey Mize, Tarik Skubal and whichever other prospects the Tigers decide to call up before the end of the 2020 season are the only reason for Detroit fans to tune in now, other than the sheer love of the game.

FILE - In this Feb. 20, 2020, file photo, Edmonton Oilers goalie Mike Smith warms up for the team's NHL hockey game against the Winnipeg Jets in Edmonton, Alberta. Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly told The Associated Press on Sunday, July 5, that the NHL and NHL Players Association have agreed on protocols to resume the season. Daly said the sides are still negotiating a collective bargaining agreement extension. (Jason Franson/The Canadian Press via AP, File)The National Hockey League and NHL Players Association have reached a tentative agreement to return to play this season and extend their collective bargaining agreement. Training camps would open July 13 and games would resume Aug. 1 if approved by the leagues board of governors and players executive committee and full membership.

The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:___The National Hockey League says a total of 26 players have reported testing positive for the new coronavirus since voluntary workouts began June 8. The league says its aware of 11 other players testing positive outside the voluntary workout protocol. The NHL said more than 250 players who worked out at team facilities were administered more than 1,450 COVID-19 tests. The league and players are in the final stages of agreeing to resume the season. NASCAR moved Champions Week to Nashville in 2019 from Las Vegas.