SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … Following is a statement from American Hockey League President and Chief Executive Officer Scott Howson regarding the league’s 2020-21 season:

“The American Hockey League Board of Governors has approved the structural framework for an AHL season that will begin on February 5, 2021.

“Details are still being worked out, but this step allows our teams and their National Hockey League partners to better determine their plans for the coming season. We look forward to dropping the puck on Feb. 5.”

The AHL playing opens up some flexibility for the Red Wings in terms of keeping prospects playing and nearby, which I believe would allow them to essentially use their taxi squad as more rooms in the cabana for folks I would prefer just remain backups and am not worried about their amount of playing time (I’ll let you name your own names there).

While we’re on the topic of season prep, the Wings also released their camp roster and schedule today. No surprises on the invite list.

The #RedWings today released their training camp roster and schedule, comprised of 40 players who will hit the ice on Friday, Jan. 1 at the BELFOR Training Center inside Little Caesars Arena.

Details » https://t.co/LS7OL6LPnD pic.twitter.com/nttxUboHnu

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) December 30, 2020

The NHL has significant say on how the AHL operates and I wouldn’t be surprised to see most of those teams playing in similar division/geographical alignment so they can remain close to their affiliates, but we’ll have to wait for more specifics.