The Florida Panthers were due to host the All-Star Weekend from January 29 to 30, with the 2021 Winter Classic featuring the Minnesota Wild and St Louis Blues on January 1 also postponed. 

"Fan participation, both in arenas and stadiums as well as in the ancillary venues and events that we stage around the Winter Classic and All-Star Weekend, is integral to the success of our signature events," said NHL senior executive vice-president and chief content officer Steve Mayer.

"Because of the uncertainty as to when we will be able to welcome our fans back to our games, we felt the prudent decision at this time was to postpone these celebrations until 2022 when our fans should be able to enjoy and celebrate these tentpole events in-person, as they were always intended.

"We are also considering several new and creative events that will allow our fans to engage with our games and teams during this upcoming season."

It is still hoped the 2020-2021 NHL season will start in and around New Year's Day.

Both the Winter Classic and All-Star Game are considered premier NHL events and attract thousands of spectators each year. 

The events could be moved to 2022, but a potential clash with the Winter Olympic Games in Beijing that year will make scheduling difficult.  

The 2019-20 NHL season was suspended in March due to the global health crisis.

A shortened campaign was then resumed in Toronto and Edmonton, with teams living and training in COVID-19 secure bubbles. 

Tampa Bay Lightning were crowned Stanley Cup champions as the season ended on September 28.