The first step in the American Hockey League's shuffling of franchises is scheduled to take place today in Des Moines, Iowa.
The Iowa Stars are expected to announce at a press conference at the Iowa Events Center that they have become the new affiliate of the Anaheim Ducks, ending Anaheim's three-year affiliation with the Portland Pirates.
Brian Petrovek, Portland's managing owner and chief executive officer, said Monday he soon will reveal plans about his team's future.
"There are plans for me to announce a timeline to make an announcement about our NHL affiliation for next year," he said. "I will be sharing those (plans) as soon as I am ready to share the details. I don't have a definite time and date, but I have a plan."
According to professional hockey sources, Anaheim is among at least four NHL teams that will switch affiliations with AHL teams.
The Buffalo Sabres, who ended their 29-year affiliation with the Rochester Americans, are expected to become the Pirates' new parent team.
The Florida Panthers will become Rochester's sole NHL parent after sharing the Americans with Buffalo the past two seasons.
A spokesman for the Dallas Stars, who ended their affiliation with the Iowa Stars after two seasons, said last week the team will assign its minor league players to two AHL teams next season.
In an unrelated development Monday, Pirates Coach Kevin Dineen would neither confirm nor deny whether the NHL's San Jose Sharks have been given permission to talk with him about a coaching job.
Dineen, who has coached the Pirates for three seasons, is under contract to Anaheim until June 30, and other teams must obtain permission to talk to him before then.
Dineen last week revealed that Anaheim had offered him a promotion. Neither the Ducks nor Dineen would elaborate on the offer.
Dineen said he could remain in the AHL as a head coach.
"That's the path I've followed for the last three years," he said. "Actually, I wouldn't look at that as a bad place to be."
Also on Monday, former Portland center Jason King and defenseman Bruno St. Jacques signed contracts to play in the German Elite League next season. King, who had 35 goals and 33 assists in 83 games this past season, signed to play with Adler Mainheim. St. Jacques, who spent parts of the last three seasons with the Pirates, signed with ERC Ingolstadt.
Staff Writer Paul Betit can be contacted at 386-0346 or at:
pbetit@pressherald.com
Reader comments
Click here to view or add comments on this story
Were you interviewed for this story? If so, please fill out our accuracy form