Top Oilers insider raises new update on relocation of AHL affiliate to Canadian city
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
The Edmonton Oilers have long been rumoured to be looking at relocating their AHL affiliate to a Canadian city, and there may be a new push to do so.
The Oilers AHL affiliate is currently the Bakerfield Condors, located in Northern California. It's a logistical disadvantage to have the farm team so far away from the NHL club, and something the Oilers should be interested in changing.
Oilers insider reveals there may be new pressure for team to relocate AHL team to Canada
On a recent edition of OilersNow, insider Bib Stauffer brought attention to the fact the Oilers are the only Canadian team without a Canadian AHL affiliate, and there could be new pressure to make a move. Stauffer essentially raised the question of who should fit the bill to relocate the Condors.
«Edmonton is the only NHL team that has an NHL affiliate in the United States. Things have changed a bit What would it cost theoretically, do you think it would cost the Oilers more or less if they moved their farm team right now?»
- Bob Stauffer
- Bob Stauffer
The Oilers organization has been the highest revenue earning team in the NHL last season, so Oilers entertainment group and Daryl Katz must be doing well. They should have the resources to relocate the Condors to Canada.
The next question would be what city could sustain an AHL team within proximity of Edmonton. It's very possible that Edmonton itself could support an AHL team, but the next best options are in the untapped market of Saskatchewan. Saskatoon already has a rink with suitable capacity.
It would be great to see the Pilers find a way to relocate their AHL team to Canada, not only to their own benefit logistically, but also for giving their fans more access to see up and coming players. It's high time the Oilers start to look at relocation seriously after being the only Canadian team without a nearby affiliate.
TRENDING NOW
