The Rangers, Islanders and Devils would be part of an eight-team Atlantic Division under a proposed NHL realignment plan, according to multiple reports.
The plan, which would go into effect for next season if approved, calls for the league to go from six divisions to four. The top three teams in each division would reach the playoffs along with two “wild cards,” the teams with the next best records in the conference.
The Eastern Conference would include the Atlantic Division (also home to the Flyers and Penguins) and eight-team Central Division, landing spot for four of the Original Six franchises. The Western Conference would have a Mid-West and a Pacific Division (see right).
The revised schedule would have each team play teams in the other conference both home and away.
The plan requires approval from the NHL Players’ Association plus the NHL’s Board of Governors.