Perhaps the most exciting part about the new division is that in so many ways it’s going to wind up breeding career-long team and personal rivalries in the NHL with the Flames, Oilers, Kings, Ducks and Sharks all having footholds out west.
With that in mind, here is a 2015/16 Pacific Division primer, with brief team summaries, which players you should watch, notable new additions to each team and who the first call-up is likely to be on each team.
BAKERSFIELD CONDORS (EDMONTON OILERS)
The Oklahoma City Barons, top affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers, have moved just north of Los Angeles to Bakersfield where the Condors have been the Oilers’ ECHL outlet for three years.