(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The NHL's Board of Governors have approved the new four-division realignment plan, which will go into effect next season.

The NHL and NHLPA each had input into the plan to realign the league into an more geographically appropriate two-conference, four-division format that features 16 teams in the Eastern Conference and 14 teams in the Western Conference.

The divisions will be temporarily referred to as Division A, Division B, Division C and Division D, with permanent names assigned at a later date.

The Western Conference will house Division A and Division B, while Division C and D will consist of eight teams each and make up the Eastern Conference.

Division A: Anaheim Ducks, Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, Phoenix Coyotes, San Jose Sharks and Vancouver Canucks.

Division B: Chicago Blackhawks, Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators, St. Louis Blues and Winnipeg Jets.

Division C: Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators, Buffalo Sabres, Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning.

Division Columbus Blue Jackets, Carolina Hurricanes, Washington Capitals, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Stanley Cup Playoffs will still consist of 16 teams, eight in each conference, but it will be division-based and a wild-card system has been added.

The new alignment ensures that all 30 teams play in all 30 arenas at least once a season for the first time since 1997-98.

The alignment plan will be re-evaluated by the NHL and NHLPA following the 2015-16 season.