Portland Pirates to be Affiliated Next Season with the Florida Panthers

The Portland Pirates will become the AHL affiliate team for the Florida Panthers beginning next season. The club made the official announcement this morning (March 18) in Portland.

The Panthers will move their AHL team in San Antonio, Texas to Portland. The new agreement is for four years.

The Pirates current agreement with the Phoenix/Arizona Coyotes ends after this season and that NHL wants their AHL team closer to the Phoenix area.

Portland Pirates NHL Affiliation History:

1993-2005: Washington Capitals
1998-99: Chicago Blackhawks (dual affiliation with Washington)
2005-08: Anaheim Ducks
2008-11: Buffalo Sabres
2011-15: Phoenix/Arizona Coyotes
2015-: Florida Panthers