Chicago Wolves to shed Hurricanes affiliation, become first independent AHL team since 1994-95

May 20, 2024

The Chicago Wolves are going it alone. They’re done depending on an NHL team to determine whether they’ll be successful in the AHL.

Wolves general manager Wendell Young confirmed Wednesday the Wolves plan to become an independent AHL team beginning next season after their three-year contract with the Carolina Hurricanes expires at the end of the 2022-23 season.

Young said the decision was made because the Wolves believe the Hurricanes’ philosophy towards their AHL affiliate had changed this season.

“Within our affiliation, it says we will develop and also we want to win a Calder Cup,” said Young, who is in his 14th season as Wolves general manager. “I think the philosophy has changed, not our philosophy, but the philosophy has changed from up top. We had a really successful year and won the Calder Cup last year and developed players, gave them a few players too that are in their lineup now at minimum salary. I believe Carolina’s philosophy has changed. It was all about development. And our philosophy, it’s in our affiliation, that says develop and win. We think by winning, we develop. That’s where we stand.

“Also, some organizations are development-only, but we think if we have development and win playoff games, guys learn how to win, which you’re trying to do all the time. That’s changed. It’s time to go independent and follow our own philosophy.”

The Hurricanes did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday.

The Wolves, the defending Calder Cups champs, are fighting for a playoff spot this season. They would not make the playoffs if the season ended today. The team last missed the Calder Cup playoffs in the 2015-16 season and has won the Calder Cup three times since joining the league in 2001.

The Wolves are allowed by the AHL to become an independent team, which won’t affect their status as a member of the league going forward. It is less than ideal for the league, though. The league hasn’t operated without an NHL-affiliated team since the 1994-95 season. The Hurricanes will still need to find an AHL team to place their players going forward.

An AHL league source said the Wolves’ decision isn’t official yet, but the source said they were unsure what the long-term answer would be for the Hurricanes if the Wolves became independent.

The source added that AHL president and CEO Scott Howson has been in “regular contact” with Wolves chairman of the board Don Levin and Hurricanes president and general manager Don Waddell, and “will do whatever he can to help the Hurricanes find a solution to their player development needs.”

Independence may give the Wolves the freedom they desire, but it will also complicate Young’s job.

“It’s a lot more signings for me,” Young said. “It’s a lot more work. If you have an affiliate, you put up on the board and you see where guys are going to fit and where they’re going to play and you try to fill it in from there. I’ve got an empty board right now, which makes it more interesting.

“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.”

Young said he notified agents recently about the Wolves becoming independent in case they had clients who were interested in playing for them next season. Young said he has already heard from some former Wolves players, too.

The Wolves will still have to abide by the AHL’s development roster rule that 13 of 18 skaters must have 260 or fewer games of pro experience.

(Photo: Frank Jansky / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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