Elliott Freidman was the first to report that the Chicago Wolves would become independent this season. If this news surprised you, don’t worry the majority of the hockey world was surprised as well. In an email to hockey agents, the Wolves pitched themselves as the most attractive destination for older players, some looking for a different path, or anyone unhappy with their current AHL team.
Naysayers attacked the Wolves when the news broke. The American Hockey League is billed as a developmental league. Over time, the league has adopted rules that favor development over creating minor league juggernauts. Armchair GMs mocked the Wolves’ decision and said it couldn’t happen. Pointing out that there hasn’t been an independent team in the AHL in almost thirty years. In these spectators’ eyes, there was no way Chicago could put a team on the ice. It’s true that the Wolves’ biggest obstacle is the AHL’s developmental roster rule. This indicates that 13 of the 18 skaters in the game must have less than 260 pro games played. That includes the AHL, the National Hockey League, and a handful of hockey leagues in Europe.
Wendell Young, general manager of the Wolves says it’s not going to be a problem. “There’s a ton of players in Europe that want to come back. There’s a ton of players that know that their NHL career is a distant thing now and they can play. Guys who don’t think they’re getting the proper treatment on teams, they’ll have a platform here. You’re not getting passed over by the first-rounder. You’re going to be able to play. Best player plays. Like right now, as an affiliate, we know certain guys have to play more and give them a chance to get better, and they have to play and they can have to be on this power play. Part of my selling point is that doesn’t happen now. We’ll be the only American League team that plays whoever is best.”
As days and then weeks fell off the calendar it was unclear if Chicago was really going to go out on their own. Sources within the AHL noted that the move wasn’t official yet. League insiders reported that bigwigs from both leagues were working to broker an agreement between the Chicago Wolves and the Hurricanes.
Both teams’ fans were left in the dark about a resolution until last Tuesday. Anyone hoping for a reunion was disappointed when Chicago named Bob Nardella as their upcoming head coach. Nardella is a former Wolves player and has served as the team’s assistant coach since 2017. The move signals that the Chicago Wolves are in fact preparing to go independent. AHL head coaches are normally appointed by their NHL affiliates.
After almost five hundred thousand words in the article, I’m hoping you have a burning question for me. What does this mean for the Hurricanes moving forward?
If I’m being honest, this is a disaster for the Hurricanes’ front office. Unless something is figured out soon there is a real chance this will have a negative impact on at least a few of Carolina’s prospects. Without their own AHL affiliate, it becomes extremely difficult for Carolina’s developmental staff in Raleigh to have complete control over their prospects’ workload and development priorities. It also makes it more difficult to call players up when needed. Carolina’s head coach Rod Brind’Amour wouldn’t have a single voice he could trust. Rather he’ll have to weigh different coaches’ opinions against each other and hope he makes the right call.
When Hurricanes’ GM Don Waddell spoke about the team’s options a few weeks ago nothing appeared settled on their end. “We have some options. We’ve talked to multiple teams about maybe putting some of our younger players in a couple of different spots,” Waddell said. “With some of our European players, we will look to place them back in Europe for a year.”
A huge advantage to having affiliates is that you only have to make one call to set plans for the majority of your players. With players scattered across North America and Europe, it will be a challenge for Carolina’s staff to keep track of everything. It seems almost impossible that they will still be able to keep their current training standards working with half a dozen or more teams’ training staff.
“Having as many Eourpesns as we do,” Waddell continued. “If they had to go back and play in Europe for a year it’s not going to hurt their development. – It’s not ideal but it’s what we’re faced with right now and we will make the best of the situation.” When you hear an NHL executive say a situation isn’t “ideal” you should picture the “this is fine” meme.
Looking through your telescope you can see land breaking over the horizon though. “The long-term plan is for us to get our own affiliate for the 2024-25 season,” Waddell said. “But this year we’re going to be in a position that we’re going to just loan out some of our guys to some other teams. We’re still exploring a couple of different possibilities too so we’re going to be fine.”
No one will know the real damage caused to Carolina’s prospect pool until this time next year. Fingers crossed that Don Waddell is right and I’m wrong. It wouldn’t be the first time. But I’m not optimistic.
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