The NHL is one-step closer to realigning it’s two conferences for the 2013-14 season.
Thursday night the NHL Players Association approved a realignment proposal that would see the Eastern Conference and Western Conference divided into two divisions instead of three. And with these changes the Eastern Conference would contain 16 teams while the Western Conference would have 14 teams leading to speculation that the NHL is opening itself for expansion.
Some of the more notable changes in the proposed realignment plan would see Columbus and Detroit head to the Eastern Conference while Winnipeg would make their way to the West.
In terms of the playoffs the top three teams in each division would make it to the post season. This would be in addition to four wild-card teams which would be the best two non-division winners in each conference.
Western Conference
Pacific Division: Anaheim, Calgary, Edmonton, Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Jose and Vancouver.
Mid-West Division: Chicago, Colorado, Dallas, Minnesota, Nashville, St. Louis and Winnipeg.
Eastern Conference
Central Division: Boston, Buffalo, Detroit, Florida, Montreal, Ottawa, Tampa Bay, Toronto.
Atlantic Division: Carolina, Columbus, New Jersey, N.Y. Islanders, N.Y. Rangers, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Washington.
The NHL Board of Governors is expected to vote on the proposed realignment plan this upcoming week.
h/t: TSN.ca