From the South Florida Sun-Sentinel's Harvey Fialkov: The Panthers are severing ties with their ECHL affilitate, the Florida Everblades and will add a new affiliate by the "end of next week,'' according to (assistant general manager Mike) Santos. Santos also said he expects to name a coach at AHL Rochester this weekend. That came out of nowhere, though it probably should not have. Getting fed up sharing a minor league club - and fighting for prospect ice time - with an Everblades organization owned by the division-rival Hurricanes. Still, the geography of the partnership was second to none... UPDATE: 'Blades beat writer Woody Womack has been on this for the better part of a month, stating: The Everblades have been mentioned in rumors suggesting the team could be in talks with to add either New York Rangers or the Anaheim Ducks as a second NHL affiliate.