The AHL has announced that because of COVID-19 protocols, there will be no Calder Cup Playoffs for the 2021 season. In a statement from the league, it states:

“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 AHL President and CEO, Scott 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.”

The Toronto Marlies’ Canadian Division will crown a winner once the season ends, ranking each team by points percentage. First place will receive the Frank S. Mathers Trophy, which has been given out each year to an AHL division or conference champion winner since 1996.

With the Marlies new schedule this season, they will play their remaining 13 games in 20 days starting on May 1st, and ending on May 20th. Toronto sits third in the division with a 10-11-0-1 record.

The AHL also announced that the Board of Governors have approved the 2021-22 calendar. The American Hockey League said that the 2021-22 regular season will begin on October 15, 2021 and it will finish on April 24, 2022.

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