AHL affiliate reportedly heading from Maine to Massachusetts

In a surprise move, the chief operating officer of the Florida Panthers’ AHL affiliate in Portland, Maine announced plans to sell the team to owners based in Springfield, Mass., next season.

The Panthers signed a four-year deal with the Portland Pirates last year to be their AHL affiliate after four seasons in San Antonio where they were the Rampage.

“I was informed by Portland CEO Ron Cain today that he has signed a letter of intent to sell the Pirates pending league approval,” Panthers Executive Chairman Peter Luukko said. “We will be in contact with the American Hockey League regarding the sale process.

“In the meantime, Florida will begin exploring all our options to put our players in the very best developmental situation. We have enjoyed the city of Portland, the venue and the incredible fan support.”

The Panthers main reason for moving their AHL team from San Antonio to Portland was for the geographical proximity to South Florida. It made it much easier and quicker to recall players to the Panthers to fill in for injured players or simply as a reward for good play.

Eleven Pirates played for the Panthers at one point this season, including Garrett Wilson, Rocco Grimaldi, Logan Shaw, Greg McKegg and Mike Matheson.

The Springfield Falcons were bought by the Arizona Coyotes, their NHL affiliate, in April, and are expected to relocate to Tucson, so the city needed a team to replace them. Portland has been the home for a minor league hockey team for the last 40 years.

Obviously, Springfield is still a short plane ride away. However, the Panthers are independent and would have to renegotiate a new deal with the Springfield owners. The Panthers could also place their prospects in the Eastern Conference Hockey League with the Cincinnati Cyclones or Florida Everblades, or possibly Europe.

The Pirates were 41-27-6-2 this season.