Discussions of NHL Board of Governors concerning realignment continue, decision to be made soon
The National Hockey League’s (NHL) board of governors came together once again; this time to discuss possible solutions for the realignment issue the league is currently facing at the moment. Lengthy talks were held on Tuesday, September 20, between the
members who are confident of a decision by December.
For now, nothing can be said what and when the final conclusion will be reached but it can be said for sure that a few teams will be switched depending on when suits the league best.
Currently, the prime team to be inter-moved between conferences are Winnipeg Jets, the former Atlanta Thrashers of the Eastern Conference who have moved over to Manitoba, Canada, which comes under the West but still remain in the opposite side.
NHL commissioner, Gary Bettman, presided over the meeting and briefed the media on the situation.
"Obviously we have to make arrangements to move Winnipeg west, and we had an opportunity to explore the issues", Bettman told NHL.com on Tuesday. "No conclusions were reached, but it's something I'm hopeful we can resolve at the December meeting".
Two other franchises have also explicitly expressed their desire in moving, not only because of their locations but also to improve the team efficiency in all respects, which at the moment requires them to travel too much.
"Selfishly we want to move to the East, but maybe there are scenarios where we would be OK with staying where we are, or maybe there is a bigger realignment out there that we would favour", Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson told NHL.com in an interview.
Along with Columbus Blue Jackets, Detroit Red Wings are also hopeful that they will get transferred as well into the East.
The good news with the realignment issue is that all possible solutions and options are being taken into consideration by the authorities who will have the final call in this respect. All teams that are situated with the league will be given equal opportunity
to represent themselves and put forth their demands, which could make the NHL all that more interesting.
A final decision is expected when the board meets again in December.
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