With expansion in the NHL, comes the possibility of realignment. When Seattle joins the NHL for its inaugural season, the already crowded Central Division will be picking up another team. Reports from NHL insiders have said that the Arizona Coyotes will be moving to the Central Division in 2021. It has not been confirmed by the NHL Board of Governors yet, but a vote is coming in the very near future. The Second City team wanted to hear your thoughts on the realignment that will occur when Seattle joins the league after the 2020 – 2021 season.
Tied to the vote on Seattle expansion tomorrow is a re-alignment to make way for Seattle to join, meaning the Central Division will get one more team. There was nothing official on what that re-alignment calls for from Gary Bettman or Bill Daly today.
— Dan Rosen (@drosennhl) December 4, 2018
My sense is that the Coyotes have known for a year that they would likely be the team moving to the Central Division once Seattle begins play but I’m not sure how thrilled Arizona is about it … owner Andrew Barroway declined comment when I asked him after the BOG Day 1 meeting
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) December 4, 2018
Current Western Conference Picture
Update (12/4, 12 pm CDT): As predicted, the Arizona Coyotes will be the Blackhawks new central division foe starting in the 2021-2022 season.
Seattle will go into the Pacific Division. The Arizona Coyotes will relocate to the Central Division in the 2021-22 season.
— Dan Rosen (@drosennhl) December 4, 2018
Polls will be open until 12:00 PM on Friday, December 7th.
Do you agree with the Arizona Coyotes moving into the Central Division?
| Yes, they are the correct team to place in the Central | 216 |
| No, I want to see another team move into the Central | 134 |
Once Seattle joins, there will be 32 teams in the NHL. Should the playoff format change to adapt to the expansion?
Do you want the playoff format changed?
| Yes, add more wild card slots | 28 |
| No, I like it how it is. Top 3 from each division and 2 wild card teams per conference | 92 |
| Yes, go back to top 8 from Western and top 8 from Eastern | 239 |
We are looking forward to hearing what you have to say! Discuss your ideas below in the comment section.