It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. We’re nearing the conclusion of the season with the Stanely Cup Final. However, there’s still plenty to discuss around the league. Usually, these NHL rumours articles are filled with chatter talking about players and coaches. However, we talk about the actual Stanley Cup Playoff format itself. There are some that love the format because it fosters divisional rivals while others long for a return to tradition.
This edition of NHL rumours deals with the postseason and format and if it will revert back to the old way.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Latest on the Stanley Cup Playoff Format
Rumour: Pierre LeBrun of TSN and The Athletic appeared on Melnick in the Afternoon late last week to discuss if the current Stanley Cup Playoff format will be changed.
Pierre LeBrun: Re NHL playoff format: I hear from owners and managers and coaches and players, that they would rather go back to 1-8; people in every corner of the league are tired of this format – Melnick in the Afternoon (6/4)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) June 6, 2026
Analysis: Commissioner Gary Bettman is a fan of the current format that’s been in effect since the 2013-14 season. The league guarantees three postseason spots per division and two wild card teams with the most points regardless of division. It would also cut down on travel costs and allow for a clean bracket that would not be re-seeded.
This format was created to try and foster rivalries between divisional foes. The current format is similar to the old divisional rivalries from back in the day where teams from the Patrick, Adams, Norris, and Smythe Divisions would face each other in the first two rounds before advancing to the Campbell or Prince of Wales Conference Finals.
However, many want a return to the 1-8 format that where the top teams are rewarded for having a great regular season. The disparity in the divisions and seeing heavyweights like the Minnesota Wild and the Colorado Avalanche squaring off before the conference finals. Big guns are having to square off with each other in the first two round of the playoffs.
This edition of NHL Rumours deals with the possibility of a format change. The pressure could be coming from multiple fronts.
(Credit Image: © Dirk Shadd/Tampa Bay Times via ZUMA Press Wire)
What it Means
LeBrun said that Bettman loves the current format. If he had his way, the current format would stay as is. However, Bettman works for the owners and LeBrun said a change could happen if there’s enough pressure. The insider mentioned that there seems to be a groundswell for a return to the 1-8 format.
According to LeBrun, the owners haven’t been shy about their dislike of the current format. The owners cite this year’s playoffs as a massive failure. Minnesota had to get through a tough first-round series against the Dallas Stars before advancing to face the Avalanche. This likely led to Colorado not having enough in the tank to take on the Vegas Golden Knights.
However, players, managers, coaches, and fans are also with the owners regarding tweaking the format. This is a rare issue where the hockey world seems united.
The Stanley Cup Final has been a very entertaining one between the Golden Knights and the Carolina Hurricanes. However, none of the top three teams in the Western Conference reached the final despite pushing all their chips into the middle at the trade deadline. The Final may be exciting, but the top teams are sitting on the sidelines at the moment.
Bettman has a lot of sway in what the format is, but pressure from the owners could force him to change his mind. The opening round has been one the best in professional sports. However, the conference finals have been let downs with a sweep in the west and a five-game series in the Eastern Final.
Main photo by: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
