The NHL and the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA) have agreed to shorten the regular season from 82 to 56 matches, with the new campaign scheduled to start on January 13 and end on May 8.

Under the agreement, the Stanley Cup will feature 16 teams in a best-of-seven, four-round format and conclude around mid-July.

It is hoped the move will allow for a return to a normal hockey calendar for the 2021-2022 season.

The 2020-2021 campaign has been delayed due to continuing concerns surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.

"While we are well aware of the challenges ahead, as was the case last spring and summer, we are continuing to prioritise the health and safety of our participants and the communities in which we live and play," said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.

"As was the case last spring and summer, I thank the NHLPA, particularly executive director Don Fehr, for working cooperatively with us to get our league back on the ice."

The 2019-2020 season was suspended in March following the outbreak of coronavirus and the Stanley Cup - which was scheduled to begin in April - did not take place until August.

Tampa Bay Lightning went on to win the Stanley Cup with victory over Dallas Stars in late September.

There will be no pre-season games ahead of the upcoming season with training camps set to start on January 3.

With the United States-Canada border remaining closed due to the global health crisis, the NHL and NHLPA sought to minimise travel as much as possible by shifting to intra-divisional play.

One division will feature seven teams based in Canada, while the other sides will be split across the East, Central and West groups.

The NHL and NHLPA said the plan is to play games in teams' home arenas as it does not expect fans to be permitted for much of the season.

"The players are pleased to have finalised agreements for the upcoming season, which will be unique but also very exciting for the fans and players alike," Fehr said.

"During these troubled times, we hope that NHL games will provide fans with some much needed entertainment as the players return to the ice."