The National Hockey League (NHL) has a rich history dating back to its inception in 1917. Throughout the years, the league has undergone various changes, including the divisional realignments. These divisions provide structure and organization to the league, allowing teams to compete against one another for the ultimate goal of winning the Stanley Cup.
Over the course of its history, the NHL has had different division names that reflect the changing times and priorities of the league. The division names often pay homage to hockey legends, geographic locations, or historical significance. Understanding the history behind these division names can provide insight into the evolution of the league and its enduring legacy.
One of the most iconic division names in NHL history is the “Original Six” division. This term refers to the six teams that comprised the league from 1942 to 1967: the Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, and Toronto Maple Leafs. The Original Six division holds a special place in NHL lore, representing a bygone era of hockey and the foundation on which the league was built.
As the league expanded and new teams were added, the division names changed to accommodate the growth. In the 1974-75 season, the NHL introduced the Patrick, Adams, Norris, and Smythe divisions, named after prominent individuals in the sport’s history. These divisions allowed for increased competition and emphasized the importance of geographical rivalries.
Origins of NHL Division Names
The NHL has had a number of different division names throughout its history, each with its own unique origin. These names often pay homage to the history and culture of the cities in which the teams are located. Here are some of the origins of NHL division names:
- Patrick Division: Named after Lester Patrick, a former player, coach, and general manager of the New York Rangers. The division included teams from the metropolitan areas of New York and New Jersey.
- Smythe Division: Named after Conn Smythe, a former owner, coach, and general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs. The division included teams from the western provinces of Canada.
- Norris Division: Named after James E. Norris, a former owner and president of the Detroit Red Wings. The division included teams from the Midwest region of the United States.
- Adams Division: Named after Jack Adams, a former player, coach, and general manager of the Boston Bruins. The division included teams from the northeastern region of the United States and Eastern Canada.
- Pacific Division: Named after the Pacific Ocean, as it includes teams from the westernmost part of North America, including California.
- Central Division: Named because it includes teams from the central part of North America, including Chicago, St. Louis, and Dallas.
- Metropolitan Division: Named after the metropolitan areas of the eastern United States, including cities like New York and Washington, D.C.
These division names not only help to differentiate the teams within the NHL, but also add a sense of history and identity to each division. They serve as a reminder of the past and the influential figures and regions that have shaped the league over the years.
Early Division Names
In the early years of the NHL, divisions were not as clearly defined or consistent as they are today. The league underwent several realignments and reorganizations, resulting in the creation and dissolution of various divisions.
When the NHL was first established in 1917, it consisted of four teams: the Montreal Canadiens, Montreal Wanderers, Ottawa Senators, and Toronto Arenas. At this time, there were no formal divisions within the league.
It wasn’t until the 1926-1927 season that the NHL introduced its first division, which was known as the Canadian Division. This division consisted of the Montreal Canadiens, Montreal Maroons, New York Americans, and Ottawa Senators. The Canadian Division was named for the predominantly Canadian teams it comprised.
For the 1938-1939 season, the NHL expanded to include more teams and reorganized its divisions. The league introduced two divisions: the American Division and the Canadian Division. The American Division consisted of the Boston Bruins, Chicago Black Hawks, Detroit Red Wings, and New York Rangers. The Canadian Division included the Montreal Canadiens, Montreal Maroons, New York Americans, and Toronto Maple Leafs. These division names were again reflective of the teams’ respective locations.
In the following years, the NHL continued to adjust its division names and structure as teams entered and left the league. The divisions underwent further changes in 1967 with the addition of six new teams, which prompted the creation of the Eastern Division and Western Division.
It wasn’t until the 1993-1994 season that the NHL adopted the names we are now familiar with: the Atlantic Division, Central Division, Northeast Division, Northwest Division, Pacific Division, and Southeast Division. These division names were designed to reflect the geography of the teams and allow for more balanced competition.
The history of NHL division names is a fascinating reflection of the league’s growth and expansion over the years. From the early days of no divisions to the introduction of regional divisions and finally the adoption of geographically-based divisions, the names have evolved to better represent the organization and structure of the league.
Division Renaming in the 1970s
In the 1970s, the National Hockey League (NHL) underwent a significant expansion, adding teams and reorganizing their divisions. As part of this reorganization, the NHL also saw a renaming of their divisions.
Prior to the 1970s, the NHL had two divisions: the East Division and the West Division. However, with the addition of new teams, such as the Buffalo Sabres and Vancouver Canucks, the league needed to create new divisions to accommodate them.
As a result, in 1974, the NHL renamed their divisions to the Patrick Division, Adams Division, Smythe Division, and Norris Division. These new names were chosen to honor influential figures in the league’s history.
The Patrick Division was named after Lester Patrick, a former player, coach, and manager who was instrumental in the development of ice hockey in the United States. The Adams Division was named after Charles Adams, the original owner of the Boston Bruins.
The Smythe Division was named after Conn Smythe, an influential executive and former owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Lastly, the Norris Division was named after James E. Norris, Sr., the longtime owner of the Detroit Red Wings.
These new division names remained in place until the NHL underwent another expansion in the 1990s and underwent another reorganization of their divisions. However, the names chosen in the 1970s left a lasting impact on the league’s history and are still remembered by fans today.
Alignment Changes in the 1980s
In the 1980s, the NHL underwent several alignment changes to accommodate an expanding league and ensure balanced competition. These changes affected the division names and the teams’ composition within each division.
One major alignment change occurred in the 1981-1982 season when the NHL expanded from 21 to 21 teams and introduced the Adams, Patrick, Smythe, and Norris divisions. The Adams division consisted of the Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, Quebec Nordiques, and the original Winnipeg Jets. The Patrick division was composed of the New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and the original Atlanta Flames. The Smythe division consisted of the Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, Vancouver Canucks, and the Colorado Rockies. The Norris division included the Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, Minnesota North Stars, St. Louis Blues, and the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Another notable alignment change took place in the 1982-1983 season when the Colorado Rockies relocated to New Jersey and became the New Jersey Devils. This relocation led to the realignment of the Patrick division, with the New Jersey Devils joining the division and the Atlanta Flames relocating to Calgary and becoming the Calgary Flames. The Patrick division now consisted of the New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and the New Jersey Devils.
The 1987-1988 season saw another realignment as the NHL expanded again, adding the Hartford Whalers and the Quebec Nordiques. With these additions, the NHL formed the Adams and the Norris divisions, while the Patrick and the Smythe divisions remained unchanged. The Adams division now included the Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, Hartford Whalers, Montreal Canadiens, and the Quebec Nordiques. The Norris division consisted of the Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, Minnesota North Stars, St. Louis Blues, and the Toronto Maple Leafs.
These alignment changes in the 1980s brought about new rivalries and reshaped the structure of the NHL divisions. It allowed for more geographically aligned divisions and increased competition among the teams.
New Division Names in the 1990s
In the 1990s, the NHL introduced new division names to reflect the changing landscape of the league. As expansion teams joined and relocated franchises changed divisions, the names of the divisions were updated to better represent the teams that made up each division.
One of the major changes came in the 1993-1994 season when the NHL introduced two new divisions: the Central Division and the Pacific Division. The Central Division consisted of teams from the Western Conference, while the Pacific Division consisted of teams from the Eastern Conference.
Another significant change came in the 1998-1999 season when the NHL realigned its divisions. The divisions were renamed to reflect the new alignment. The Northeast Division became the Atlantic Division, the Southeast Division became the Southeast Division, and the Central Division became the Central Division.
These new division names helped to create a clearer and more organized structure within the NHL. The names better represented the teams within each division and made it easier for fans to understand the makeup of the league.
The introduction of new division names in the 1990s was just one example of how the NHL has evolved and adapted over the years. As the league continues to grow and change, it is likely that more updates and changes to division names will occur in the future.
Rebranding of Divisions in the 2000s
In the 2000s, the NHL underwent a rebranding of their divisions, introducing new names and logos to better reflect the changing landscape of the sport. This rebranding aimed to create a stronger sense of identity and distinction among the divisions, making it easier for fans to identify with their favorite teams.
One of the most notable changes during this time was the renaming of the divisions. The Western Conference divisions were renamed the Pacific Division and the Central Division, while the Eastern Conference divisions were renamed the Atlantic Division and the Metropolitan Division. These new names not only reflect the geography of the teams within each division, but also create a more cohesive and organized structure.
Along with the new names, each division also received a fresh logo and branding. The logos were designed to incorporate iconic symbols from each region, while also incorporating elements of the NHL’s overall brand. These new logos added a visually appealing element to the divisions and helped to create excitement among fans.
Overall, the rebranding of the divisions in the 2000s was a successful initiative that helped to modernize the NHL and enhance the fan experience. The new names and logos created a stronger sense of identity and made it easier for fans to connect with their favorite teams. The rebranding also showcased the NHL’s commitment to evolving with the times and staying relevant in a rapidly changing sports landscape.
Modern Division Names
The National Hockey League currently has four divisions, each named after a prominent figure in the sport. These divisions were established in the 2013-2014 season as part of the league’s realignment plan. Here are the modern division names:
| Division | Name |
|---|---|
| Central Division | Earned its name due to its central location within North America. |
| Atlantic Division | Named for the Atlantic Ocean, which borders the eastern coast of North America. |
| Pacific Division | Named after the Pacific Ocean, which borders the western coast of North America. |
| Metropolitan Division | Named after the metropolitan areas where the teams in this division are located. |
Each division consists of eight teams, except for the Central Division, which has seven. The teams within each division compete against each other throughout the regular season, and the top four teams from each division qualify for the playoffs.
Proposed Changes for the Future
In recent years, there have been discussions and debates surrounding the current division names in the NHL. Some fans and experts believe that the current names no longer accurately represent the teams and the regions they belong to or are simply outdated. As a result, proposed changes for the future have been suggested to better reflect the evolving landscape of the NHL.
One proposed change is to rename the divisions based on geographical regions, similar to how the NFL and NBA handle their divisions. This would provide a clearer understanding of which teams are located in which parts of North America. For example, the Atlantic Division could be renamed the Eastern Division, and the Central Division could become the Midwest Division.
Another proposed change is to honor the history and legacy of former NHL players or coaches by naming divisions after them. This would not only pay tribute to these hockey legends but also provide a sense of identity and connection for fans. For example, the Pacific Division could be renamed the Gretzky Division or the Orr Division.
Additionally, there have been suggestions to rename divisions based on sponsorship agreements, similar to how some stadiums and arenas are named after corporate sponsors. While this may generate revenue for the NHL, it could also lead to criticism and controversy among fans who prefer more traditional and meaningful names for divisions.
Ultimately, any proposed changes for the future of NHL division names would require careful consideration and input from various stakeholders, including fans, team owners, and league officials. It remains to be seen whether any changes will be implemented in the coming years, but the discussions surrounding this topic highlight the importance of evolving and adapting to the changing needs and preferences of the NHL fanbase.
Persistence of Traditional Division Names
Throughout the history of the NHL, certain division names have remained constant, evoking a sense of tradition and familiarity. These names have become synonymous with the teams and rivalries that have developed within each division.
One example of a persistently used division name is the “Atlantic Division.” This name has remained unchanged since the inception of divisions in the NHL in 1926. The Atlantic Division represents teams from the Eastern Conference and includes storied franchises such as the Montreal Canadiens and the Boston Bruins.
Another example is the “Central Division,” which has also maintained its name despite team relocations and realignments. The Central Division is home to teams like the Chicago Blackhawks and the Nashville Predators, fostering intense rivalries and competitive matchups.
The “Pacific Division” is another division name that has stood the test of time. This division consists of teams from the Western Conference, including the Anaheim Ducks and the Vegas Golden Knights. The name “Pacific” reflects the geographical location of these teams along the Pacific coast.
While the NHL has seen various changes in its division structure throughout the years, these traditional division names have persisted, providing a sense of continuity and history. These names have become ingrained in the hockey lexicon and are a testament to the rich heritage of the league.