Brad Fay

The only part of the word expansion that makes any sense to the NHL is the three-letter suffix ion ... as in put it on the end of the word contract, and then you're speaking a language real hockey fans would like to hear.

The latest report from Bettman's office indicate that new franchises in select Canadian markets -- along with Las Vegas, Kansas City and Europe -- are a distinct possibility.

We know it's all about more money in the pockets of the existing owners, but I'm here to say forget about economics for a second. I'm speaking simply as a lifelong fan who is downright appalled that the NHL can't see how our game has become so watered-down that it's tough for a casual fan (even some hardcores) to name at least one player on every one of the 30 teams -- and, most notably, the NHL is in too many cities where the people don't care and too few where they do.

So here's my informal plan for the league which includes, first, contraction from 30 teams to 23 ... and then expanding by one to put a team back in Winnipeg, bringing the total to a nice working number of 24 teams.

So say goodbye to these seven: Anaheim, Nashville, Atlanta, Carolina, Tampa Bay, Florida and Phoenix. The southern experiment hasn't worked, and won't. See ya later y'all.

* The new NHL would be be comprised of four divisions in two conferences (see table).

** Teams play the other five teams in their division (6) times each; the six teams in their conference's other division (4) times each; and each of the 12 teams in the other conference (2) times, for a total of 78 games. That's a long enough season that also includes a guaranteed home-and-home with every team.

*** The division winners plus six wild cards in each conference make the playoffs and the post-season proceeds as always.

Take a look and tell me what you think and what you'd do to the NHL, given full commissioner status.