Quote:
Originally Posted by sureLoss
Article also says that the Oilers, Canucks, and Flames are expected to move their franchises out West in the next 2 years
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I could see the Oilers moving from Oklahoma City and perhaps the Canucks moving from Utica to Abbotsford and giving it another go, but I don't know if Calgary is going to be interested in moving affiliates 3 times in 5 years (or 5 times in the last 10 years). They have gotten themselves into a sweet spot in the AHL where the travel and schedule are a benefit to them, and before stepping on the ice have huge crowd support. Adirondack is a long time hockey and AHL city and unless the bottom falls out in the next year or so and they lose the support, I really can't see them moving again. I think it would be a poor management decision to move them if they are doing well.
Oilers, I think moving from Oklahoma is a no-brainer. It's Oklahoma, it's not a hockey town. They use so many gimmicks at games and giveaways just to get people in the door. I know they do have some passionate fans, but I don't think it makes sense to have an AHL team there. Canucks, I think if the opportunity to go to Abbotsford (or something similarly close) comes up, they are all over it instantly. They wanted Abbotsford so bad when Calgary was there, so I could see them going to a West Coast affiliate that's close to the Canucks.