As of April 29, 2021, the American Hockey League President and Chief Executive Officer Scott Howson announced that due to league COVID-19 protocols, the AHL will not be able to conduct traditional Calder Cup Playoffs in 2021.

Each of the league’s five divisions was provided with the opportunity to independently determine its postseason format.

The members of the Pacific Division will complete the 2020-21 season with a playoff tournament to determine a division champion; members of the other four divisions will not have any post-season play.

Many teams in the Pacific Division have been able to host fans and doubtless, the monetary aspect plays into their decision to entertain the idea of a playoff format.

“While we are disappointed that we will not be able to award the Calder Cup this spring, we are grateful to have been able to provide a safe and competitive environment for more than 1,000 players to play AHL hockey and continue their development,” said Howson. “We’re especially thankful for the work done by our athletic trainers, COVID-19 officers and other front-line workers to ensure the health and safety of all of our players and staff throughout the league.”

In summary, this is how each division will determine a winner for 2020-21.

Pacific Division:

A post-season tournament will be held to determine the division championship.

The format for the tournament will be announced at a later date.

The tournament winner will be awarded the John D. Chick Trophy as champions of the Pacific Division.

Atlantic Division:

The team finishing in first place during the regular season (ranked by points percentage) will be awarded the Emile Francis Trophy as division champions.

North Division:

The team finishing in first place during the regular season (ranked by points percentage) will be awarded the F.G. (Teddy) Oke Trophy as division champions.

Canadian Division:

The team finishing in first place during the regular season (ranked by points percentage) will be awarded the Frank S. Mathers Trophy as division champions.

Central Division:

The team finishing in first place during the regular season (ranked by points percentage) will be awarded the Sam Pollock Trophy as division champions.

It’s been a busy time for the league and the AHL Board of Governors has also approved the calendar for the 2021-22 season.

The AHL’s 86th season, with 31 clubs expected to be active, will begin October 15, 2021, and conclude April 24, 2022.

Division alignments and schedule information will be announced during the offseason.

There was no news in this statement regarding a change of affiliation or New Jersey’s decision to pull the plug in Binghamton.

With another BOG meeting planned for two weeks time, it’s likely any news in that regard will be released as a result of what happens then.

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