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The NHL is exploring the idea of pushing the beginning of next season by two months.

It has discussed with teams starting the 2020-21 campaign in December, sources told The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun.

The league reportedly still hopes to hold an 82-game season even if the schedule begins later than what is traditional.

LeBrun previously reported the NHL believed it could play a full campaign starting in November. As was the case with that scenario, the December start would involve scrapping All-Star weekend, getting rid of bye weeks, shortening the holiday break, and tightening the entire schedule wherever possible.

There are two main reasons a December start has been discussed, according to LeBrun: The time it will take to finish 2019-20 if it's ultimately resumed and the fact many teams want to play in front of fans next season.

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said in March the league wants to avoid any plans that would prevent it from holding a full season following this one.