NHL Realignment
How will the NHL realign the divisions? Is it a simple one-for-one team swap or could it be a domino-like swap where one team moves, then another, followed by yet another team? Perhaps the NHL should abolish the six divisions and go back to four. Here are a few options being considered, starting with the most likely scenario to the least likely.
One-for-One Realignment
This one has been discussed before, but it’s to move the Detroit Red Wings to the Eastern Conference and move the Winnipeg Jets to the West. Another option could be the Columbus Blue Jackets. However, the move that makes the most sense here—at least for a one-for-one team swap—could be the Nashville Predators moving to the Eastern Conference due to their proximity to the Southern states. This would result in fewer miles traveled by both clubs over the course of the season.
The NHL realignment would not change much and be shifted to:
Northeast: Boston, Buffalo, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto
Atlantic: New Jersey, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh
Southeast: Carolina, Florida, Nashville, Tampa Bay, Washington
Central: Chicago, Columbus, Detroit, St. Louis, Winnipeg
Northwest: Calgary, Colorado, Edmonton, Minnesota, Vancouver
Pacific: Anaheim, Dallas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Jose
The Domino Realignment
This one is a realignment that almost serves as a domino effect.
Northeast: Buffalo, Detroit, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto
Atlantic: Boston, New Jersey, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Philadelphia,
Southeast: Carolina, Florida, Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay, Washington
Central: Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Nashville, St. Louis,
Northwest: Calgary, Colorado, Edmonton, Minnesota, Winnipeg
Pacific: Anaheim, Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Jose, Vancouver
The Complete Overhaul
This is the doomsday of scenarios for the current NHL setup. Why not go back to the time when hockey was at its best… bring back the Prince of Wales and Clarance Campbell Conferences. With each comes the Adams and Patrick divisions (Wales) and the Norris and Smythe (Campbell) divisions.
Prince of Wales Conference
Adams Division
Buffalo, Boston, Carolina, Detroit, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto,
Patrick Division
Florida. New Jersey, NY Rangers, NY Islanders, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay, Washington
Clarence Campbell Conference
Norris Division
Calgary, Chicago, Columbus, Edmonton, Minnesota, Nashville, St. Louis, Winnipeg
Smythe Division
Anaheim, Colorado, Dallas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Jose, Vancouver
This may be a stretch but it could create the best regular season money could buy. The Eastern Conference, or Prince of Wales Conference, would have solid matchups night in and night out. Four of the Original Six reside in the Prince of Wales Conference, offering up historic matchups. In the Patrick Division, the battle of New York and Pennsylvania continues, as does the Ovechkin versus Crosby matchup. The Campbell Conference also offers great matchups. Minnesota versus Winnipeg, Calgary versus Edmonton, Anaheim versus Los Angeles and many more are there for the fans to enjoy. The most critical part of this setup is travel. Every team will have a reduced travel schedule, or at least reduced air miles on their season.
The most likely team to move conferences will likely be the Nashville Predators; however, there is an outside chance the Detroit Red Wings or Columbus Blue Jackets make that move to the East. Stay tuned.