From the Portland (Maine) Press-Herald:
Brian Petrovek, the CEO and managing owner of the Pirates, will make it official at a 1 p.m. news conference Monday at the Cumberland County Civic Center, but informed sources confirmed the Phoenix Coyotes will become the new NHL parent of the Pirates.
So the (reasonable) dream partnership between the Panthers and Pirates – two clubs heavily influenced, past and present, by Kevin Dineen – looks to be dead, if this report is to be believed. Meanwhile, from the same story:
(…) the Panthers, who ended their affiliation with Rochester this spring, are expected to become the new NHL parent of the Rampage in San Antonio.
The San Antonio Express-News wasn’t divulging nearly as much info on Friday – in fact nothing regarding Florida – which should come as no surprise considering all of the organizations involved in what can accurately be deemed an enormous three-way trade.
The only solid fact we know at this point is that the Sabres will be affiliated with the Rochester Americans once again. Expect an answer regarding Florida very early in the week.
UPDATE: (6/27, 12pm) The Chicago Wolves and Vancouver Canucks are officially married.
UPDATE: (6/27, 2pm) Portland/Coyotes is now complete.