The Calgary Flames are close to potentially buying the ECHL Stockton Thunder after the City Council unanimously approved the transfer of the Stockton Arena lease to the NHL club, per The Record.
With that done, the ECHL is scheduled to consider the matter on Wednesday and if all goes well, the team might be purchased the following day. That’s not the extent of the Flames’ plans though.
With the AHL reportedly looking to expand west, the Flames are hoping to move the California-based team up to the top level of the minor leagues. As it currently stands, Calgary’s AHL affiliate is located in Glens Falls, New York.
Meanwhile, Anaheim is reportedly looking to move the Norfolk Admirals to San Diego while the Worcester Sharks might join their parent team in San Jose.
It’s believed that the Edmonton Oilers will also have an AHL affiliate in California as the Oklahoma City Barons are ceasing operations.