Report: NHL establishes tentative realignment plan
Mark Blinch / National Hockey League / Getty
The NHL has mapped out a tentative realignment plan for the 2020-21 campaign as it attempts to ease travel amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 31 teams will be split into four geographical divisions, with one being composed of all seven Canadian clubs, according to TSN's Pierre LeBrun.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said Tuesday that travel will be a main issue for the league and an all-Canadian division is a likely scenario.
Here's a breakdown of the current plan, which hasn't been finalized and is still subject to change, LeBrun adds.
Division 1
| Team |
|---|
| Calgary Flames |
| Edmonton Oilers |
| Montreal Canadiens |
| Ottawa Senators |
| Toronto Maple Leafs |
| Vancouver Canucks |
| Winnipeg Jets |
Division 2
| Team |
|---|
| Boston Bruins |
| Buffalo Sabres |
| New Jersey Devils |
| New York Islanders |
| New York Rangers |
| Philadelphia Flyers |
| Pittsburgh Penguins |
| Washington Capitals |
Division 3
| Team |
|---|
| Carolina Hurricanes |
| Chicago Blackhawks |
| Columbus Blue Jackets |
| Detroit Red Wings |
| Florida Panthers |
| Minnesota Wild |
| Nashville Predators |
| Tampa Bay Lightning |
Division 4
| Team |
|---|
| Anaheim Ducks |
| Arizona Coyotes |
| Colorado Avalanche |
| Dallas Stars |
| Los Angeles Kings |
| San Jose Sharks |
| St. Louis Blues |
| Vegas Golden Knights |
The NHL has targeted a Jan. 13 start date, and both the league and players apparently prefer to play a 56-game schedule.