More and more NHL governors believe that the Red Wings "will be moving next season to the Eastern Conference, specifically the Southeast Division, and that the Winnipeg Jets could conceivably take the Wings' spot in the Central Division," according to Bob McKenzie of TSN. McKenzie wrote that is "both a plausible and possible scenario when realignment is done for real at" an NHL BOG's meeting in Pebble Beach, Calif., in early December (TSN.ca, 10/12). TSN's Darren Dreger said, "It's not going to be that simple because there are going to be Western Conference teams that we know are going to put up a fight." Dreger: "We know that the Dallas Stars have interests in moving into another division. We know the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Nashville Predators have expressed an interest because of geographics in moving into the Eastern Conference. But those that I talk to believe it will be Detroit that ultimately prevails" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 10/13).
RESPECTING THE DISCIPLINARIAN: In Toronto, David Shoalts notes both NHL VP/Player Safety & Hockey Operations Brendan Shanahan and Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly "denied reports that a number of GMs complained directly to" NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman or Daly about the number of suspensions handed out to players this season. Shanahan yesterday said, "People can report what they want on TV but I felt no internal pressure to make any changes (in player discipline). My commitment is the same as it’s always been. ... I’m going on the record now to say I haven’t (received a large amount of criticism from the GMs)." Hurricanes President & GM Jim Rutherford said, "I can only speak for myself, but I feel (Shanahan) is doing a good job sending a message that some of these checks are not part of our game. The main part about this is keeping players safe" (GLOBE & MAIL, 10/13).
