Lockmonsters sold!

According to a blurb in the News & Disturber, and a more detailed story at the AHL's official site, the New Jersey Devils have agreed to purchase a controlling interest in the Lowell Lock Monsters of the AHL. Lowell has been affiliated with Carolina since 2001, and with Colorado for this season.

The sale, which requires approval from the board of governors, is expected to be finalized in April. It will, of course, necessitate a slew of changes. First, the Devils will be dumping the Albany River Rats, who has been their top affiliate (but not their property) since 1993.

While the River Rats will be looking for a new parent, The Hurricanes and Avalanche will each be looking for a new affiliate. Rumor has it, the Hurricanes will be looking to hook up with the Norfolk Admirals, who are not to be confused with the Milwaukee Admirals.

As an aside, you should go to the Milwaukee Admirals site and watch the little promo spots they have on the main page. They're hilarious.

The Norfolk Admirals are presently affiliated with the Blackhawks. It would make sense, geographically, for the Canes to be affiliated with Norfolk. During the lockout, I was bemoaning the fact that the Lockmonsters are just too far away for most Canes fans to go see.

I don't know whether we would share the Admirals with Chicago the way we shared Lowell with Colorado (and Calgary before that).

I also don't know if Colorado wants to have anything to do with the soon-to-be unaffiliated Albany.

Anyway, it looks like there should be more than a few changes in minor league affiliates for the 2006-07 season.