NHL playoff format called into question by majority of players, per insider

In the 2013-14 season, the NHL introduced the divisional playoff formats to encourage rivalries from repeated matchups, ditching the usual seeding of 1 vs. 8 in each conference. Over 10 years later, not many are happy with the divisional format.

Speaking to ESPN's Greg Wyshynski, Colorado Avalanche defenceman Cale Makar said that almost all players want to go back to 1 vs. 8.

A majority of NHL fans agree with Makar as the divisional format has grown stale over the years. The emphasis on regional rivalries has created far too many repeat matchups, and arguably weakened the quality of the 2nd and 3rd rounds. The conference finals this year in both East and West was full-on lopsided.

In the Oilers' case, they've had to match up against the Los Angeles Kings for 4 years in a row. In the 1 through 8 format, they would've played the Dallas Stars in the first round last year.

Despite most of the players and fans wanting a return to the old format, it doesn't appear to be incoming anytime soon. The NHL and PA have just voted to confirm the new Collective Bargaining Agreement which will stand through the 2029-30 season.

Hopefully the NHL can find a way to keep the playoffs fresh and entertaining in the near future - with the most easy route being a return to 1 vs 8. It's what everyone wants to see.