The NHL`s Central Division was formed in 1993 as part of the Western Conference in a league realignment. Its predecessor was the Norris Division. As part of the 2013 realignment, the Central Division expanded into 7 teams. It is also one of two successors to the Northwest Division. Three of its teams?Minnesota, Nashville, and Winnipeg (as the Atlanta Thrashers) ? joined the NHL in the league`s last phase of expansion between 1998 and 2000. The fourth team in that group, the Columbus Blue Jackets, are no longer part of the Central Division.