CHARLOTTE — According to a report, the Carolina Hurricanes are cutting ties with the Charlotte Checkers and moving their AHL affiliation to the Chicago Wolves, ending a decade-long relationship.
The Hurricanes are apparently close to a deal to move their AHL affiliation to the Wolves, with the Checkers presumably becoming the Florida Panthers’ top affiliate.
Just in: official @CheckersHockey statement regarding a possible NHL affiliation change. @wsoctv pic.twitter.com/xyHjtWRMl0
— Kevin Stewart (@KStewWSOC9) April 29, 2020
On Wednesday, the Checkers released the following statement:
“While we are aware that the Carolina Hurricanes are nearing an affiliation agreement with the AHL’s Chicago Wolves, the Hurricanes have had little dialogue with us regarding this matter. In an era when NHL teams are placing great value on affiliations with closer proximity between the two clubs, we understand the confusion that such a move would cause. We will explore other options for our affiliation and look forward to continuing in the American Hockey League when play resumes.”
The deal is expected to be finalized when the AHL season is officially canceled, which could come as soon as next week.
Channel 9 sports anchor Matt Harris was told that the Checkers will not be going anywhere because of this. They would just have different players and coaches and would just have to find a new affiliate.
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