Less Is More: Why the NHL Should Take Away Six Teams Rather Than Add Two

Ryan RicciutoMar 16, 2009

Over the last few NHL seasons, there has been much talk about relocating and even creating new teams in more southern American cities, such as Kansas City and Las Vegas.

This idea makes me wonder what Gary Bettman and the Board of Governors are thinking.

With the economic crisis North America is going through, and teams such as Phoenix and the Islanders going bankrupt, why would Bettman try to expand the league?

Bettman's typical answer would be that he wants to place teams in these cities to try to attract fans, yet, when looking at the most recent expansion and relocated teams, it is quite obvious they are struggling.

Remember the Nashville crisis last year?

Jim Balsillie tried to purchase the Predators, and apparently a deal was reached. A couple of months later when it was revealed that Balsillie wanted to move the team to Hamilton, Craig Leipold backed out of the deal, selling the team to William DelBaggio for a reported $50 million less.

Does this mean the NHL does not want to move to Canada, or does this mean the NHL doesn't have the money to move these expansion teams?

With so many teams in debt and financial trouble, it is tough not to argue that getting rid of "weak" teams will benefit the league.

If the NHL dropped six teams there would be a greater quality of hockey.

It would be much tougher for rookies to get into the league, forcing them to try harder.

Additionally, the few star players on the "weaker" teams would move to the remaining teams, strengthening their rosters.

The teams that should be removed from the league are the Tampa Bay Lightning, New York Islanders, Florida Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, Nashville Predators, and the Atlanta Thrashers.

As for Phoenix, it would be nice to see them back in Winnipeg, but if this is not possible then keep them in Nashville and get rid of the Coyotes.

This would mean the league would then have 24 teams and the divisions would look like this.

Eastern Conference

North East Division North Central Division Atlantic Division

Montreal Canadians Toronto Maple Leafs Washington Capitals

Ottawa Senators Detroit Redwings Pittsburgh Penguins

New York Rangers Buffalo Sabers Philadelphia Flyers

Boston Bruins Winnipeg Jets* New Jersey Devils

Western Conference

Northwestern Division South Central Division Pacific Division

Vancouver Canucks Minnesota Wild L.A. Kings

Calgary Flames St. Louis Blues Anaheim Ducks