Hello GMs

Here's my thought, which I'd like everyone's feedback on.

Starting next season 2023/24 move the standings to a Division Based method.
NOTHING changes with how the scoring system currently works. The only change would be to put teams into their respective divisions/conferences.
Then Playoffs would work the same way as they do now IRL.
Top 3 teams in each division make it, with the final 2 spots being Wildcard teams.

My thought for this is it adds a new layer of game strategy.

If you took the current standings and used this proposed method, this is how it would look...
**I'll use the West for this example**

Pacific PTS Central PTS
1. LAK 80 1. WPG 80
2. EDM 78 2. DAL 72
3. ANA 72 3. COL 65
------------ --------------
4. VGK 71 4. MIN 63
5. VAN 68 5. NSH 57
6. CGY 61 6. CHI 55
7. SEA 49 7. STL 49
8. SJS 48 8. ARI 40

As you can see, VGK & VAN would currently hold the 2 wildcard spots.
From a game management standpoint, I feel this forces each of us to really consider how we construct our teams.

It also allows to expand season ending awards, ie. Div champ, Conf champ West vs East Cup Final.

Draft positioning would remain the same. Non-playoff teams 1-16 with final 16 spots based on where you exited the playoffs.

Anyway, just a thought to spruce up the game, given it's been the same for about 4 years now.