The NHL and NHLPA are discussing a unique 24-team tournament to precede the Stanley Cup Playoffs whenever hockey is able to return, reports said.
First revealed by French Canadian outlet TVA Sports and confirmed by Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic and TSN, the format would include 24 teams to account for lost regular-season games and the uncertainty of which teams would lock up the final bids to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Conveniently, the top 24 teams in the league standings are split evenly, 12 and 12, from each conference. The reported plan calls for round-robin tournaments among the four divisions, with minimal changes needed - the New York Rangers would be moved into the Atlantic Division and the Minnesota Wild into the Pacific Division for balance.