Report: AHL team to become independent next season and have no NHL affiliate
During Wednesday's edition of 'The Jeff Marek Show', Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman revealed an interesting tidbit regarding an American Hockey League team next season.
Friedman said that the Chicago Wolves, who are currently the Carolina Hurricanes' AHL affiliate, will become independent starting next season and won't be partnered with an NHL team.
The Chicago Wolves were founded in 1994 and played in the now-defunct International Hockey League, before moving to the 2001-02, winning the Calder Cup in their inaugural season.
As an independent American Hockey League team, the Chicago Wolves would likely target older players who are either seeking a different path in their career or are not happy with their current path.
The Wolves' move to become an independent team leaves the Carolina Hurricanes without an affiliate and with there already being 32 teams in the league, they will have to partner with another NHL club to allow their prospects to play in the AHL. The most likely option for the Hurricanes is to partner with Florida Panthers, who are using Carolina's old AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers.
Friedman on TJMS says the Chicago Wolves of the AHL sent out an email to all the agents yesterday saying they are planning to become independent next season, not having any NHL affiliate.— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) April 5, 2023
For those who may be younger, the AHL used to have a mix of NHL affiliated teams and independent teams competing against each other. I believe the old IHL had several independent teams and a few NHL affiliated teams competing against each other, so this is not entirely new.— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) April 5, 2023
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 5 | 311 ANSWERS Report: AHL team to become independent next season and have no NHL affiliate Should the Hurricanes partner with the Panthers and use their old AHL affiliate in Charlotte? | ||
| Yes | 69 | 22.2 % |
| Most logical option geographically | 132 | 42.4 % |
| No | 70 | 22.5 % |
| See Results | 40 | 12.9 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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