The NHL Experts blog is a collaboration of voices from around and inside the game of hockey. With viewpoints ranging from the press box to the front office, the Experts blog will offer unique perspectives through the playoffs to keep readers informed of significant storylines in all aspects of the game.

The relocation of the Atlanta Thrashers to Winnipeg has given the NHL a decision to make. For the 2011-12 season, the Winnipeg Jets will simply fill the Thrashers' vacated position in the Southeast Division. However, there's nothing really simple or rational about having a team based in Manitoba -- for those of you who don't know, Winnipeg is about 150 miles due north of Grand Forks, N.D. -- making so many regular trips to Tampa, Fla., and Raleigh, N.C.