Winnipeg Jets: All Canadian Division is Looking More Likely

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman hinted at realignment for next season. The Winnipeg Jets could find themselves in an all Canadian division.

For the first time in a while, the NHL has implied what the 2021 season may look like. Gary Bettman was in a panel at the Paley International Council Summit and said many interesting things about the NHL moving forward. It is interesting to see how these plans may affect the Winnipeg Jets.

During the panel interview, Bettman stressed the travel restrictions both Canada and the USA have due to the Coronavirus pandemic. He stated that it would not be right to move every franchise to the US to compete in 2021.

"“Obviously, we’re not going to move all seven Canadian franchises south of the 49th Parallel, and so we have to look at alternative ways to play, And while crossing the U.S.-Canadian border is an issue, we’re also seeing within the United States limitations in terms of quarantining when you go from certain states to other states. It’s again part of having to be flexible. …It may be that we’re better off, particularly if we’re playing a reduced schedule, which we’re contemplating, keeping it geographically centric, more divisional based, and realigning, again on a temporary basis, to deal with the travel issues.” (NHL)"

With all this being said, the prior rumors of a division filled with all teams from Canada is looking more and more likely.  Due to all of the restrictions, the Jets may be playing a schedule of only north of the border franchises.

This new division can be extremely fun to watch. We may see the Jets play a lot of rivalry games and there will be many intriguing matchups that will catch every fans’ eye.

Another important note from this interview is the NHL is still targeting January 1st to start the upcoming season.

As of right now, everything is still up in the air for the upcoming campaign. Although, an all Canadian division looks likely, there is still a chance that the divisions may be setup in a different format. Only time will tell how the new season will look.

Winnipeg Jets Fans: How do you think the Jets will fare in an all Canadian division? Leave your comments below!