Pirates Hook Up With 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 in Portland.

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

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

The Pirates are in third place in their AHL division with a 35-22-3 record.

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