When the Atlanta Thrashers relocated and became the Winnipeg Jets in 2011, the NHL was forced into reconsidering the entire scheme of the league. It was the second re-location of an Atlanta NHL franchise, and the move raised competitive and logistical issues to commissioner Gary Bettman, the NHL Players Association and the Board of Governors to work together and realign the league, issues that were not dealt with successfully.
While conducting the move, the NHL wanted to accommodate the Detroit Red Wings and the Columbus Blue Jackets, two franchises that had occupied the Western Conference despite residing in the Eastern Conference geographically.