Hooray For Radical Realignment

As of Monday, the NHL Board of Governors approved of a complete make-over of the NHL. For a better look, here is the CBC graphic:

First off, WHY IS FRIGGEN FLORIDA AND TAMPA IN THE "NORTHEAST" CONFERENCE?

I realize that the sticking point was keeping state rivals Pittsburgh and Philadelphia in the same division conference. But that would have been easily fixed. Just swap the Pennsylvania and Florida teams. I know a big issue was the East/West geographical divide, but shouldn't the same apply for North/South on something like that? Before someone says why this doesn't bug me for teams like Edmonton and LA being in the same conference, I'll remind you there aren't a dozen teams between them. For a good look at the travel issues, check out On The Forecheck's breakdown of travel by each team for this and last season. Spoiler Alert: Lou Lamoriello is scared of a plane.

The Phoenix Situation

Honestly, this one is relocation proof. Phoenix stays, no move. Phoenix moves to Seattle, no move. Phoenix goes to Hamilton or Quebec City, moves to "Northeast" Conference and only adds another team to conference. Phoenix moves to Kansas City, moves to "Central" Conference then...uh...Hello Detroit to the "Northeast".

Conference Names

Bring back Smythe, Norris, Patrick, and Adams (start top left, go clockwise when looking at above picture). I hear the idea that naming them Gretzky, Howe, Lemieux, Orr or other famous players would be good, but as a Habs fan I'd be damn if I have to refer to my team as the Orr Conference Champions (just typing that was painful).

Playoffs

Right now, it stands are the top four teams from each conference enter the playoffs in a divisional round. Then another divisional round. Then....well...whatever. They will figure that out later.

Personally, I'm not a fan of this. It cuts down on potential "Cinderella teams" and there is too high a chance of seeing the same teams battle year after year. Not that the Leaf/Sens battle a decade ago wasn't good, but repetition can get tiresome.

Wales and Campbell Trophies

The Wysh brought this to light: what happens to the Prince of Wales and Campbell Trophies?

Here's my proposal:  Have the conference playoff champions enter a draw. Two are drawn for the Prince of Wales trophy and the other two battle for the Campbell.