while there seems to still be some sort of meaningless pre-preseason games going on out there, the only other big story is the imminent (maybe) relocation of the Atlanta Thrashers to Winnipeg. This move, and the neccesary realignment of the league that would follow, clearly has implications for the Hawks in terms of which of our "beloved" local rivals we get to see less of

By all accounts the Thrash will move from the Southeast to the Northwest, Minnesota will come to the Central with one of Detroit, Columbus or  Nashville taking their place. All are apparently keen to jump to the East (was it something we said?).  A quick look at the reasoning, pros and cons

Scum:

Pro: In the Eastern time zone so trips to the West coast means late puck drops for games, which I'm sure doesn't help productivity on the job the next.. oh, wait.. WHAT job?

Con: Would leave Chicago as the only Original Six member in the West and also deprive the Division of a 'healthy' and 'spirited' rivalry. Also would mean Sid and Ovi would have to come to Detroit more often, giving Bettman the screaming ab-dabs (I was going to use the more traditional Hab Dabs but this has made me nervous)

Columbus:

Pro: As above for the time difference. plus a somewhat less competitive Division: their 81 points last season would have been good enough for, well, fourth..

Con: Florida is a kind of a long way away from Ohio...

Nashville:

Pro: Geographically a closer match to the area. They can also get pictures of Carrie Underwood shaking hands with Sid.. etc etc

Con: Are on Central time so don't really have the same problems with late games as the EST teams.

I'm sure there are lots of other factors in there but what i really wanted to ask was this:

Who would the learned and erudite readers of SCH like to see the back of?

Poll away! And remember, get your Moms to knit a nice muffler for Big Buff (a Buffler? Sorry!) it gets cold up there near the Arctic Circle..