The IIHF has announced the start of the 2021 World Juniors for December 25. The tournament will follow a very similar model to the NHL’s Return-to-Play as all ten teams will participate in a “competition bubble” in Edmonton.
Rangers and the 2021 World Junior Championship
COVID-19 continues to play a role in the uncertainty of the NHL’s start date. This has left the availability of recently drafted prospects like Alexis Lafreniere, Quinton Byfield and others questionable. A lot will depend on what the NHL can do to start next season.
For example, if the NHL season is slated to start in early or mid-January it is unlikely the Rangers let Lafreniere play.