Edmonton and Tampa Bay's new minor league affiliates

John F · 03-31-2007, 02:01 PM

Well, it was a running rumor for a while with thanks to the snoops in the Edmonton media but it would appear the Springfield Falcons have severed their affiliation ties with the Tampa Bay Lightning and have struck an agreement with the Edmonton Oilers.

Meanwhile, Tampa Bay has founded a new affiliation with the (much closer to home -- but not too much) Norfolk Admirals of the AHL.

I don't see this making a huge difference for either club. Edmonton is still in deep trouble with the lack of depth in the minors on D (and in general) while Tampa Bay lacks forward prospects... So I don't see either team (the Falcons or the Admirals) seeing a big turn around with thanks to the affiliation change.

chicagochill95 · 04-18-2007, 08:21 PM

Yeah, Norfolk did a fantastic job running the Blackhawks the past 8 years, and that organization was very satisfied with the job they did.

However, the Blackhawks are now switching to Rockford because it's closer to home. Which makes it easier for the scouts and organization to attend.

John F · 04-18-2007, 09:25 PM

same deal here. Norfolk is a hell of a lot closer than Springfield...

03-31-2007, 02:01 PM	#1 (permalink)
John F Administrator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Tampa Bay area, Florida Posts: 2,497	Edmonton and Tampa Bay's new minor league affiliates Well, it was a running rumor for a while with thanks to the snoops in the Edmonton media but it would appear the Springfield Falcons have severed their affiliation ties with the Tampa Bay Lightning and have struck an agreement with the Edmonton Oilers. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay has founded a new affiliation with the (much closer to home -- but not too much) Norfolk Admirals of the AHL. I don't see this making a huge difference for either club. Edmonton is still in deep trouble with the lack of depth in the minors on D (and in general) while Tampa Bay lacks forward prospects... So I don't see either team (the Falcons or the Admirals) seeing a big turn around with thanks to the affiliation change.

04-18-2007, 08:21 PM	#2 (permalink)
chicagochill95 Rookie Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 13	Yeah, Norfolk did a fantastic job running the Blackhawks the past 8 years, and that organization was very satisfied with the job they did. However, the Blackhawks are now switching to Rockford because it's closer to home. Which makes it easier for the scouts and organization to attend.

04-18-2007, 09:25 PM	#3 (permalink)
John F Administrator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Tampa Bay area, Florida Posts: 2,497	same deal here. Norfolk is a hell of a lot closer than Springfield...