March 7, 2013

With the NHLPA approving realignment, which would see the Winnipeg Jets move to the Western Conference, NHL deputy commissioner says the next step is approval from the league board of governors. (QMI Agency file photo)

Limiting the normally chatty Kenny Holland to just three words is about as rare as seeing Don Cherry in a ratty T-shirt and jeans.

But when it comes to the seemingly imminent realignment plans of the National Hockey League, the reaction of the Detroit Red Wings general manager was short and to the point.

“Amazing. We’re thrilled,” Holland told the Sun on Thursday night.

With the NHLPA announcing late Thursday that it had given the thumbs up to the league’s proposal, all that remains now is for the NHL board of governors to give its stamp of approval. Such an official endorsement should be nothing more than a formality, given that it was the league that submitted the restructuring blue print in the first place.

ATLANTIC	CENTRAL	MIDWEST	PACIFIC
Flyers	Maple Leafs	Jets	Oilers
Penguins	Canadiens	Blackhawks	Flames
Capitals	Senators	Minnesota	Canucks
Rangers	Bruins	Blues	Sharks
Islanders	Red Wings	Stars	Kings
Devils	Sabres	Avalanche	Ducks
Hurricanes	Lightning	Predators	Coyotes
Blue Jackets	Panthers