When the calendar flips to 2017 next week, teams will begin enjoying their five-day "bye'' weeks.

Between Jan. 1 and April 9, all 30 clubs will take turns saying "see you later" to their players for five days -- meaning no practices, nothing. A total blackout....

The bye weeks are coming. Some teams have already had their most condensed stretches but most clubs have it still looming ahead. Get ready, everyone.

-Pierre LeBrun on the upcoming bye week for the NHL teams. More on this topic at ESPN.