2023-05-22 18:58:47
In a very, very distant future, so much so that it will probably never exist, the NHL is made up of 40 teams. (Thanks Gary)
Somewhere in the year 2075 (approximately), some kind of robotic version of Gary Bettman, now controlled by artificial reality, decides to adopt an entirely new system for his league of the future. A system inspired by European soccer.
The 40 teams
Before getting into the technicalities of this new feature of relegation in North American sport, here are the 40 markets, separated into 2 associations of 20 teams, then into 4 divisions of 10 clubs:
The new Bettman clone had a flaw following all, he dropped Arizona in favor of Houston.
So arrive (or return), during these many years, the markets of Quebec, Hamilton, Hartford, Atlanta, Kansas City, Portland, Salt Lake City and Milwaukee.
How the calendar works
40 clubs is a lot. We rely on the last regular season standings to decide. The top 30 formations make up what is called the championship circuit, the top 20 qualify for the playoffs, with an entry format, as the NBA adopted already more than 50 years ago, in the early 2020s ( regarding time!).
The 5 worst teams in the championship circuit, a consequence of a bad season, lower echelon management.
What regarding the other 10? They are there, but do not have the same privileges. Yes, they play the full 84-game schedule (we added 2, it felt funky!), while facing teams from the championship circuit, but they cannot qualify for the playoffs under any circumstances. Even finishing 72-12, no playoffs.
The bonus point, however, is that the top 10 team in the bottom tier gets the 1st overall pick, and so on. To hell with “tanking”!
Here is a picture example, because a picture is worth a thousand words:
In light of all that, here’s what might happen at the end of a season in terms of relegation:
26- Chicago
27- St-Louis
28- Detroit
29- Houston
30- San Jose
relegated in favor of…
1- Québec
2- Kansas City
3- Portland
4- Atlanta
5- Anaheim
The 5 descending teams cannot, at any point, compete for the Stanley Cup the following year. The reverse for the promoted formations, which return to the dance for a place in the series and the ultimate reward.
This means that by respecting the order of the teams having received a promotion, the Nordiques would obtain the Connor Bedard of 2075-76, great, isn’t it?
Why not with the American League?
Bary Gettman (the name of my robot), toyed with the idea of restructuring things and affixing his relegation system in partnership with the AHL. However, too many pitfalls presented themselves.
First, monetarily, imagine a rich concession like the Canadiens or the Rangers ending up in the AHL for the benefit of the Coachella Valley Firebirds, or the Laval Rocket, what a sacrilege! Angry upset owners.
Logistically, the thing became complex. Demoting players to the lower league got a little weird, especially if the Marlies ended up in the NHL and the Leafs recalled players, but from the AHL. It doesn’t work Bary.
This is where the idea of building a bridge to allow relegation came from. Said bridge is the bottom tier of the NHL, where the 10 teams can continue to build, rebuild, compete, send guys down, whatever made the most sense.
Questions in the room? Mr. Gettman will be happy to answer you.
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#fun #NHL #adopted #relegation #system #European #soccer
