Critter - Verot signed a one year contract with Washington in July 2004. He was on the Pirates training camp roster from the beginning of the 04-05 season so I assumed it was a two way. Even if the Caps had an opportunity to qualify him depending on a CBA and new rules, I would imagine he will be free to sign with any AHL/NHL team after his season, but who knows.
Along these same lines, there are heavy rumors that the Panthers are interested in moving its minor league operations to Orlando from San Antonio. The local fans in San Antonio would love for Colorado to be its affiliate and its still pretty close proximity-wise. The only issue is the ownership of the Rampage...partially owned by the San Antonio Spurs and partially owned by the FL Panthers. Maybe FL sells their half to another team (like Colorado or Anaheim) and then either gets a team moved to Orlando or just gets an expansion team there. The Orlando team would play in the T.D. Waterhouse Centre from what I hear. A lot of major changes for next season in the AHL (3 new teams, several teams changing affiliations,etc).
The negotiation with the Spurs ownership and the Avs ownership might be complicated by the playoffs right now.Kronke owns the Nuggets who are up on the first game against the Spurs.
Colorado's splitting Lowell with Carolina. So what happens to the Pirates now? Will they be the only AHL franchise to have no affiliation next year? That would put them at a gross disadvantage competitively.
I've seen speculation that Anaheim will end their affiliation with Cincinnati, and affiliate with Portland, but nothing concrete. Not sure, if that happened, where that would leave Cincy.
Colorado's splitting Lowell with Carolina. So what happens to the Pirates now? Will they be the only AHL franchise to have no affiliation next year? That would put them at a gross disadvantage competitively.
And haven't heard anything official on splitting Lowell, but given the shallow pool (and sights on other venues) that maybe the case.
Carolina renewed and introduced Colorado as their partner for 2005-2006 replacing Calgary who announced several months ago as going to Omaha next season....
I've seen speculation that Anaheim will end their affiliation with Cincinnati, and affiliate with Portland, but nothing concrete. Not sure, if that happened, where that would leave Cincy.
Cincinnati disappears, sadly, if all point as fact if Brian will just do this all ready grrrrrrrr we have to wait for the Ducks to be ousted from CC playoffs either (hopefully) Thursday....
There is speculation among fans that because the Pirates did not announce their renewal of affiliation when they announced their lease, the affiliation with the Caps was not renewed. All speculation, mind you.
Agreed on Anaheim and Portland. I guess they need the frequent flier miles?
They could ask the Kings for some advice.
The Avs don't need their own affiliate. Their prospect pool is so low it's not worth it for them.
"There was no problem with the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim," Cincinnati president/CEO Pete Robinson said. "We had an excellent relationship with them, but they've opted for another direction. We wish the Anaheim organization all the best in its future endeavors.
