# Metropolitan Division
Who / What
The **Metropolitan Division** is a National Hockey League (NHL) division formed in 2013 as part of the Eastern Conference’s realignment. It serves as one of two divisions, succeeding historical groupings like the Atlantic and Southeast Divisions.
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Background & History
The Metropolitan Division was established in 2013 to reorganize NHL teams into two divisions each conference after a major restructuring. Originally, it replaced the **Southeast Division** (which included teams from Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas) and inherited six of its seven teams—all of which had previously competed together in the **Patrick Division** (1981–1993). The division’s name reflects its geographic focus on metropolitan areas within the Eastern Conference.
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Why Notable
The Metropolitan Division plays a pivotal role in NHL competition by grouping historically competitive teams, fostering stronger regional rivalries. Its realignment helped modernize league structure while preserving legacy matchups between franchises like the New York Rangers and Toronto Maple Leafs. The division’s success is also tied to its ability to maintain strong fan engagement through cross-divisional play.
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In the News
As of recent years, the Metropolitan Division has seen heightened interest in playoff contention battles, particularly between teams like the **New Jersey Devils** and **Buffalo Sabres**, whose rivalry has gained prominence. The division’s realignment also sparked discussions about long-term NHL expansion plans, with some fans debating whether its structure optimally balances competition and accessibility.
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Key Facts
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