Overview

The Metropolitan Division is one of two divisions in the NHL's Eastern Conference. It was created as part of a league realignment in 2013 and groups eight franchises that primarily occupy the U.S. Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions. The division is administered under the umbrella of the National Hockey League and sits inside the Eastern Conference for scheduling, standings and playoff seeding.

Members

The Metropolitan Division is composed of eight clubs. These teams bring a mix of large-market rivals and smaller-market clubs, contributing to frequent, intense matchups during the regular season and playoffs:

  • Carolina Hurricanes
  • Columbus Blue Jackets
  • New Jersey Devils
  • New York Islanders
  • New York Rangers
  • Philadelphia Flyers
  • Pittsburgh Penguins
  • Washington Capitals

History and development

The division was formed in the 2013–14 season when the league moved from six divisions to four. Several franchises assigned to the Metropolitan Division had previously played together in earlier alignments, including teams that competed in the old Patrick Division. The new grouping drew clubs from the former Atlantic Division and the dissolved Southeast Division as part of the reorganization intended to reduce travel and rationalize rivalries across the league.

Geography and rivalries

Geographically the division is heavily clustered: five clubs are located in either the New York City area or in Pennsylvania, producing frequent regional matchups and strong local fan interest. This concentration helps fuel long-standing rivalries—such as intra-city and intra-state contests—while the remaining teams extend the division’s footprint into the Midwest and the Southeast.

Significance and notable facts

At its creation the Metropolitan Division was the only NHL division without a Canadian-based team. Member clubs have been prominent in postseason play and include franchises that have won the Stanley Cup in recent decades, contributing to the division’s reputation for competitive balance. The division’s schedule, travel patterns and playoff outcomes regularly influence team strategy and roster construction.