League wants realignment decision by December

[sabresfaninthesouth]

I still would like to see divisions named Gretzky, Howe, Orr, Lemieux, Richard, and Dionne...

I think you need to replace Richard since there's already an award named after him - unless you were talking about the Pocket Rocket of course.

Not like there's any shortage of Montreal greats to choose from.

 

[sabresfaninthesouth]

It might not make sense to move Detroit, but word is the Red Wings want to move. They're in the Eastern Time Zone. They don't like the Travel situation out West.

Yeah I know they have wanted to for years. Probably ever since the Leafs switched, if not sooner. But I can't imagine that trumping logic. I heard Mike Ilitch himself state on a talk show that he would love to move to the eastern conference but only if it made sense for the league. He followed that up by strongly hinting that it really makes no sense under the current 6 division format with the 30 teams located where they currently are.

I maintain that of the three teams that could go east - Detroit, Columbus, Nashville - that Detroit should be the last of the teams to move.

Columbus is technically the furthest east of the three and Nashville would fit best into an existing division in the absence of Atlanta.

However, the main reason I think Detroit shouldn't move is because, of the three, they're the one that least needs it. According to Forbes they're the 4th most valuable franchise in the league, had the 6th highest income last year, and have now made the playoffs for 20 straight seasons, including every single season since the last re-alignment, and have 4 Stanley Cups and 2 other appearances in the Finals in that same time.

They've shown for 20 years now that they can be successful - both on the ice and financially - playing in the Western Conference, despite the travel schedule and every argument that's made for why they should move east.

I understand Wings fans feelings on the issue, but for the overall health of the league, I think Nashville or Columbus should get the nod.

 

[elocomotive]

I maintain that of the three teams that could go east - Detroit, Columbus, Nashville - that Detroit should be the last of the teams to move.

Columbus is technically the furthest east of the three and Nashville would fit best into an existing division in the absence of Atlanta.

However, the main reason I think Detroit shouldn't move is because, of the three, they're the one that least needs it. According to Forbes they're the 4th most valuable franchise in the league, had the 6th highest income last year, and have now made the playoffs for 20 straight seasons, including every single season since the last re-alignment, and have 4 Stanley Cups and 2 other appearances in the Finals in that same time.

They've shown for 20 years now that they can be successful - both on the ice and financially - playing in the Western Conference, despite the travel schedule and every argument that's made for why they should move east.

I understand Wings fans feelings on the issue, but for the overall health of the league, I think Nashville or Columbus should get the nod.

Good points and great post.

 

[pixburgher66]

I maintain that of the three teams that could go east - Detroit, Columbus, Nashville - that Detroit should be the last of the teams to move.

Columbus is technically the furthest east of the three and Nashville would fit best into an existing division in the absence of Atlanta.

However, the main reason I think Detroit shouldn't move is because, of the three, they're the one that least needs it. According to Forbes they're the 4th most valuable franchise in the league, had the 6th highest income last year, and have now made the playoffs for 20 straight seasons, including every single season since the last re-alignment, and have 4 Stanley Cups and 2 other appearances in the Finals in that same time.

They've shown for 20 years now that they can be successful - both on the ice and financially - playing in the Western Conference, despite the travel schedule and every argument that's made for why they should move east.

I understand Wings fans feelings on the issue, but for the overall health of the league, I think Nashville or Columbus should get the nod.

Fantastic point. Moving Columbus to the East would be great for them...they have a fanbase waiting for some excitement, and having "normal" timed away games and stars coming to play more often will help a lot. And...COLUMBUS IS 2 HOURS AWAY FROM ME. I NEED THOSE GAMES.

 

[Slimpikins]

Drop the divisions and just have conferences. It will make it easier when Phoenix and Florida relocate and a weak division winner won't get the third seed in the playoffs either.

 

[sabresfaninthesouth]

Fantastic point. Moving Columbus to the East would be great for them...they have a fanbase waiting for some excitement, and having "normal" timed away games and stars coming to play more often will help a lot. And...COLUMBUS IS 2 HOURS AWAY FROM ME. I NEED THOSE GAMES.

I'm always looking out for you pix.