NHLPA OKs NHL's proposed realignment

16 teams will play in Easter Conference, 14 in Western Conference

By By The Sports Xchange
POSTED: 3:08 PM PST March 7, 2013    UPDATED: 5:26 AM PST March 8, 2013 
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The National Hockey League Players' Association has given its approval to the NHL's proposed re-alignment plan. NHLPA executive director Don Fehr released a statement on Thursday, saying, "After discussions with the Executive Board, the NHLPA has given consent to realignment, to be re-evaluated following the 2014-15 season."

In an NHL memo obtained by TSN last week, the league proposed an Eastern Conference with 16 teams and a Western Conference with 14 teams.

A vote from the NHL Board of Governors is expected within the week to make the plan official. The divisional re-alignment would be as follows: 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.