Report: Potential draft, free agency dates emerge for 2020-21 NHL season

Now that the NHL and NHLPA have tentatively agreed on a framework for the upcoming 2020-21 season's 56-game schedule, some key dates have begun to emerge.

The impending campaign would begin on Jan. 13 and would conclude on May 8 under the proposed format, according to TSN's Bob McKenzie, with free agency beginning on July 28, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reports. The 2021 trade deadline would be April 12, while the 2021 NHL Draft would take place on July 23 and 24, according to TSN's Darren Dreger.

Players would have the option to opt out of the approaching season. The opt-out deadline is Dec. 24 for players on teams that didn't make the 2019-20 playoffs and Dec. 27 for players on playoff squads, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

Each team will need to carry at least three goaltenders at all times this season between their active roster and taxi squad, reports Sportsnet's Chris Johnston.

Additionally, clubs must sign Group II restricted free agents by Feb. 11 for them to be eligible to play during the season and players on one-year deals can sign extensions as of March 12, Friedman adds.

The NHL has a call scheduled with the Board of Governors for 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, according to TSN's Pierre LeBrun. A separate call is also planned with the league's general managers for 2 p.m. ET, LeBrun adds.