On Tuesday night, TSN's Bob McKenzie tweeted that when the NHL realignment process is initiated in about two months, the Southeast Division could have a new heavy hitter on the block. McKenzie is hearing that many NHL governors think the Detroit Red Wings will make a move to the Southeast.
More and more NHL governors convinced DET will be moving to SE Div in Eastern Conference when realignment done in early December.
The realignment discussions are prompted by the Atlanta Thrashers' offseason move to Winnipeg. The Jets are currently in the geographically incongruous Southeast division and are likely to be moved in the realignment process. McKenzie also tweeted that he suspects the Jets could simply replace the Red Wings in the Central Division.
With 11 Stanley Cups in franchise history, the Red Wings would bring a historic and dominant franchise to the Eastern Conference, and join a division predominantly comprised of Sun Belt teams. Having the Red Wings in the division would certainly be a boost at the St. Pete Times Forum, as they are consistently among the league's top draws on the road because of their widespread fanbase.
With realignment set to take place in early December, these discussions are certainly going to heat up over the coming month.