Daly: NHL not interested in keeping Canadian Division beyond 2021

The NHL won't look to keep the North Division around beyond the 2021 season.

"No. Quite the opposite, actually," deputy commissioner Bill Daly said on Sportsnet's "Tim and Sid" on Thursday. "I think from a league perspective, there's a desire to resume our regular alignment as quickly as we possibly can."

Daly added that the Canadian division should provide plenty of intrigue while it exists, though.

"I think there are a number of aspects about this season which are unique, which add interest, and are quite compelling," he said. "Certainly, the All-Canadian division aspect is one of those."

Due to travel restrictions between Canada and the United States related to the COVID-19 pandemic, all seven teams north of the border are grouped together for the 56-game schedule.

The three divisions in the U.S. were also realigned into the West, Central, and East.

All teams in Canada except the Winnipeg Jets recently received permission from local health authorities to host games with no fans in attendance. Some franchises in the U.S. will allow spectators in a limited capacity.

The NHL regular season begins on Jan. 13. The first night on the schedule features two North Division clashes, with the Toronto Maple Leafs hosting the Montreal Canadiens, and the Vancouver Canucks visiting the Edmonton Oilers.