According to CBC’s Elliotte Friedman, the NHL could look drastically different next season if a realignment plan by the League and it’s Players Association goes through.
https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/305498445341413376
This new plan would include four separate mini conferences very similar to a proposed plan last season that was eventually shot down by the NHLPA. Here’s what may be proposed according to Friedman:
Eastern Conference I: Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Washington Capitals
Eastern Conference II: Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, Florida Panthers, Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs
Western Conference I: Chicago Blackhawks, Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators, St. Louis Blues, Winnipeg Jets
Western Conference II: Anaheim Ducks, Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, Phoenix Coyotes, San Jose Sharks, Vancouver Canucks
Friedman also writes that a proposed wild card could be put in place for the two conferences but much like the rest of the idea nothing is set in stone.
It’s definitely an interesting concept though for a League that’s in desperate need of a makeover… Winnipeg still playing in the Eastern Conference is a complete joke.
