ZO82 wrote:
How did the NHL end up with a promotion/relegation system?
The inspiration comes from the expansion the league operating a divisional disadvantage. When the league expanded in 1967, they kept the Original Six in one division and all the expansion teams in another. As a result in 1968, 1969 and 1970, the Saint Louis Blues made three title appearances in the Stanley Cup against far better Original Six teams.
So in this TL, the league outright takes up this system. I'll admit its a little lazy but I thought it would be interesting.
Also a keen eye will note that Saint Louis enters the league a year late. This is the result of the ownership boycotting the new system, seen as unfair to a three time Division champion. This is seen as the origin of their curse.
