There is another report on what the realigned NHL divisions will look like when the new season starts in 2021.
Pierre LeBrun reported Wednesday -- via “sources” -- that the divisions will look like this when the pandemic-shortened season begins (Jan. 13):
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- “Atlantic” -- Boston, Buffalo, New Jersey, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Washington
- “Central” -- Carolina, Columbus, Detroit, Chicago, Florida, Minnesota, Nashville, Tampa
- “Pacific” -- Anaheim, Arizona, Colorado, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Jose, St. Louis, Vegas
- All Canadian division -- the 7 Canadian teams
Previous reports had St. Louis and Pittsburgh in the “central” while Carolina stayed east and Minnesota went west. As far as I know, there are no official names for these divisions right now.
This is subject to change, of course:
As colleague @RussoHockey reported, Minnesota could swap again. Also hear Dallas is a possibility. Could be a few other tweaks. Clearly some governors on Wednesday's call who weren't pleased with the temporary divisions as presented. So stay tuned.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) December 11, 2020
As previously reported, if the season can start mid-January, the league expects to have a 56-game regular season. Don’t expect fans in any of the buildings any time soon.
The last time the NHL played a shortened season was in 2012-13 when a labor dispute between the league and players union delayed the season’s start until Jan. 6, 2013. They ended up playing a 48-game season, just as they did in 1994-95 due to another lockout.
Bettman: NHL divisions must realign for 2021 season, Canadian-only division probable
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