Realigning the NHL | pf9's Blog

The National Hockey League does want to realign, I understand. But I think it requires expansion. And given the current locations of NHL teams, there is only one region that should get the next 2 expansion teams. That region is the South Central United States.

I have my reasons. Right now, other regions have 3-4 teams (one even has 6), but the South Central US has only 2. Those are Dallas and Nashville. Now, to balance the NHL by how many teams in a region (and by extension, division), I suggest that the next 2 teams be located in Houston, and New Orleans.

Why Houston and New Orleans?
Pros for Houston:
1. Has teams in every other major sports league (NFL, NBA, MLB)
2. Among the largest television markets.
3. Houston's AHL (formerly IHL) team is among major Calder Cup Contenders in that league
4. Proximity to Dallas makes for natural rivalry

Pros for New Orleans
1. Their NBA team is rising among the ranks in the league
2. Their NFL team contends every few years
3. Would be a great way to help recover from Katrina
4. Proximity to Houston also makes for natural rivalry

With all that said, here is my realigned NHL:

Eastern Conference
Northeast Division
Boston
Montreal
Ottawa
Toronto

Atlantic Division
New Jersey
NY Islanders
NY Rangers
Philadelphia

Mideast Division *NEW*
Buffalo
Columbus
Pittsburgh
Washington

Southeast Division
Atlanta
Carolina
Florida
Tampa Bay

Western Conference
Central Division
Chicago
Detroit
Minnesota
St. Louis

Northwest Division
Calgary
Colorado
Edmonton
Vancouver

Southwest Division *NEW*
Dallas
Houston *NEW*
Nashville
New Orleans *NEW*

Pacific Division
Anaheim
Los Angeles
Phoenix
San Jose

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