Toronto Decentralized

The Toronto Maple Leafs will join traditional rivals Montreal and Boston in the NHL’s Northeast Division beginning next season thanks to the league’s Board of Governors, who approved Toronto’s move from the Central Division.

Under the new plan, the Columbus Blue Jackets will join the Central Division instead of the Northeast when they enter the league in 2000.

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John MacLean, the New Jersey Devils’ all-time leader in games, goals, assists and points, has joined teammate Bill Guerin in asking for a trade. The 33-year-old right wing did not say why he wants out, but it seems he is unhappy playing on a checking line. Devil General Manager Lou Lamoriello said he would try to accommodate MacLean. . . . Kirk Muller of the Florida Panthers was suspended two games and fined $1,000 for high-sticking the New York Rangers’ Niklas Sundstrom on Nov. 30.