The Proposed 2013-14 NHL Realignment, Mapped

Elliotte Friedman of Hockey Night in Canada (@FriedgeHNIC) reported that the forth-coming NHL Realignment Plan will be similar, but not exactly the same as the one the NHL proposed back in December of 2011. It'll still be four conferences (two of 8 teams, two of 7 teams), but Detroit and Columbus would be moved to the "eastern" two conferences to reduce travel and better reflect the fact that they are actually in the Eastern time zone. I'm still processing it all, and considering the implications it has with future expansion and/or relocations.

Four Conferences, Two of Eight and Two of Seven

The shape stays close to what the league put on the table in December 2011: four conferences, two of eight teams and two of seven. What changes is who sits where.

Detroit and Columbus Move East

Both franchises would land in the two eastern conferences, cutting travel and matching the fact that they already play in the Eastern time zone.

What It Means Down the Road

The post holds off on the full verdict, with the implications for future expansion and relocation still being worked through.

The Reaction to Expect

Bring on the super-happy few... and the very pissed off masses.