from Larry Brooks of the New York Post,

It has not come up thus far in CBA talks between the NHL and NHLPA, we’re told by a trusted source, but a confluence of events could lead to an agreement between the parties to both participate in the Olympics and expand the playoffs.

First, the agreement between the league and union regarding the playoff format expires at the end of this season. Talk of extending or changing the current structure is expected to be joined by discussions about realignment. The NHL has proposed shifting Arizona from the Pacific into the Central Division in 2021-22 in order to accommodate Seattle’s entry into the league, and though that remains likely, the league will require the union’s approval in order to effect the move.

Meanwhile, Sixth Avenue is poised to soon open negotiations on its next U.S.-based television and media contracts, with the league’s current agreement with Comcast-owned NBC and NBC Sports Network scheduled to expire at the end of 2021-22. The NHL will seek multiple broadcast partners and platforms, including ESPN, next time around, just like every real major league in this country.

continued, recommended read...