Report: NHL would like Coyotes in Central Division if Seattle gets team

The NHL would reportedly prefer the Arizona Coyotes change divisions if Seattle is awarded the league's 32nd franchise, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman on Saturday's edition of "Headlines."

Friedman did acknowledge that other issues could still arise before the potential new Seattle team begins play in either 2020 or 2021.

"Just as part of the proposal to vote Seattle in is the official word that they would like to move Arizona to the Central Division, though Nick (Kypreos), there are things that could happen between now and then," Friedman said.

The NHL Board of Governors will meet Tuesday, where it's expected a vote will be conducted to either approve or deny Seattle of a franchise.

Sportsnet's John Shannon reported Friday that the league's realignment plan will be revealed Tuesday when the Seattle decision is announced.

The Coyotes currently play in the Pacific Division. They were moved from the Central to the Pacific before the start of the 1998-99 season.