NHL Realignment Put On Hold As NHLPA Shoots Down Proposal

If you were excited for the realignment the NHL had planned for next season, you'd better hold your horses -- that plan is now on hold, according to the Canadian Press.

The plan, which would have shuffled the league's six divisions into four conferences and revamped the playoff structure, has been shot down by the NHL Players' Association. The league will instead maintain its current alignment in 2012-13.

"It is unfortunate that the NHLPA has unreasonably refused to approve a plan that an overwhelming majority of our clubs voted to support, and that has received such widespread support from our fans and other members of the hockey community, including players," said deputy commissioner Bill Daly.

The plan had originally been approved 26-4 by the NHL Board of Governors a month ago, as the Atlanta Thrashers' move to Winnipeg had necessitated a new geographical breakdown. The Winnipeg Jets currently compete in the Southeast Division, thousands of miles separated from their "closest" rivals.