The Florida Panthers are relocating the farm.
Florida's American Hockey League outfit - the Portland Pirates - has signed a letter of intent to relocate the franchise, the team announced Wednesday.
The filed paperwork officially ends a 23-season run in Maine.
According to Glenn Jordan of the Portland Press Herald, the Pirates will resurface in Springfield, Mass., and replace the Falcons, who were purchased last month by the Arizona Coyotes with the intent to move to Tucson, Ariz.
The Panthers released this statement via executive chairman Peter Luukko:
I was informed by Portland CEO Ron Cain today that he has signed a letter of intent to sell the Pirates pending league approval. We will be in contact with the American Hockey League regarding the sale process. In the meantime, Florida will begin exploring all our options to put our players in the very best developmental situation. We have enjoyed the city of Portland, the venue and the incredible fan support.
