Surely the Carolina Hurricanes are still stinging from their loss to the Florida Panthers, but I’m guessing they’re also concerned about the lack of an AHL affiliate for next season. After all, the future of their prospects should be on their mind. This all came about in April when the Chicago Wolves announced they wouldn’t be renewing the affiliation. It’s a topic I’ve been thinking about since.

During the 2022-23 season, all 32 teams had their own affiliate to send prospects. That way no team would have to send prospects to a team with another’s prospects. But, as the season neared the end, the Wolves announced they were going independent. The defending Calder Cup champions failed to qualify for the playoffs, and they believe that’s due to the Canes philosophy change. They had initially been focused on winning and developing players, but this season became all about development, according to Wolves GM Wendell Young.

So, with this, questions abound. What are the Canes going to do with prospects? How will the Wolves fare without an NHL affiliate? And will this benefit the Wolves?

First, Canes prospects. Where to? Before the affiliation, the Canes sent players to the Charlotte Checkers. While that makes geographical sense, the Checkers are now the affiliate for the Florida Panthers. In fact, the other 31 AHL teams are spoken for. I’d guess for next season Carolina will try to find a partner to share a team; or spread players through the league. Then, in the future look into purchasing an AHL team so they would be in total control. Many NHL teams own their affiliates and have placed them in geographically convenient places.

Second, I believe the Wolves will fare well as far as on-ice. In the team’s history (including IHL), they have won 5 league championships and 3 of those came during seasons where they were independent. As far as attendance, the team had their best average attendance in the IHL years as an independent (as high as 11,000, low as 8,600), but for the most part in the AHL their attendance has been consistent averaging between 7-8,000 as an affiliated team. As far as fan support, I believe the Wolves will do good, especially since they most likely will be putting every effort to put a good team on ice. But there’s another situation to be looked at. Finances. One reason the IHL had to cease operations was that with teams choosing to or being forced to go independent, the cost of operating rose. The KC Blades had difficulties when they were independent. The main reason for the difficulties was they had to cover all expenses. As the Sharks affiliate, the NHL team paid the coaching staff and most player salaries. As an independent, you have to cover all expenses.

Third, I believe the Wolves will benefit from this as far as the on-ice product goes. This will give them the opportunity to control their fate. They’ll be able to scout for the best players available. My guess is they will probably find a lot of players overseas that’d like to come to North America to play. They’ll also probably look at AHLers who are not currently under NHL contract. If the owners are willing to open the pocketbook to take this risk, I believe they can make it work in the suburbs of a city that’s also home to an NHL team. My only worry is they’ll have hurt their relationship with the AHL and NHL by deciding to go this route. It’s clear the AHL wants to be a feeder league for the NHL, and they want that to be the main purpose-developing future NHL stars.

Now, if I were the owner of a minor league team maybe looking to jump up in leagues, (say…the KC Mavericks) I’d be calling the Canes offering my team as a possible affiliate, if they could help with getting the franchise into the AHL. But that’s just me…