AHL to start season Feb. 5

The NHL will have its top development league next season.

The AHL is planning to start the 2020-21 campaign Feb. 5, the league announced Wednesday.

The AHL had previously targeted Dec. 1 as its start date for 2020-21, according to TSN's Pierre LeBrun.

No further details were added. Several obstacles remain intact, including border crossing - the league has 27 American teams and four Canadian squads - and developing an appropriate schedule.

The NHL is targeting a Jan. 1 start date for its season, while the OHL is reportedly planning to begin its campaign Feb. 4.