Since the NHL paused the season back on March 12, the potential of a 24-team playoff has seemingly always been on the table. It makes a lot of sense: with the potential of a shorter regular season, having a more inclusive, one-time playoff format might lead to some intrigue around the league.
In an April episode of the Blackhawks Talk Podcast, Hockey Night in Canada’s Elliotte Friedman mentioned the potential financial implications of a 24-team playoff format could be favorable to the league. There is no coincidence that two of the biggest markets and fan bases in the NHL, Montreal, the 12th seed in the NHL’s Eastern Conference, and Chicago, the 12th seed in the NHL’s Western Conference, would be the final two playoff teams in one of the frequently-discussed formats.