Blue Jackets Change Affiliate to Springfield

The Columbus Blue Jackets have reportedly ended their ten year partnership with the Syracuse Crunch. Next year they will affiliate with the Springfield Falcons, dropped by the Edmonton Oilers in favor of Oklahoma City earlier this year. This is the third official affiliation shift thus far this year, and the Anaheim Ducks are still without an AHL affiliate.

Syracuse is now on the hunt for an affiliate and Albany has not given up the search for a new franchise. The Iowa Chops need to find an affiliate for 2010-2011 or they will be forced to sell off the franchise. At least two other affiliation agreements expire this year, including the Texas Stars / Dallas Stars agreement which is widely expected to be renewed, as long as Texas can purchase a franchise.