Everything is starting to fall into place for the American Hockey League for next season now that the Atlanta Thrashers have moved to Winnipeg.  The new Winnipeg team will be affiliated with the Moose as they move to St Johns.

Here’s the latest AHL/NHL affiliate scenario..

That will leave the Vancouver Canucks to look for a new affiliate.  We all know the Florida Panthers are looking for a new affiliate as well.  The only AHL teams technically without an affiliate right now are the Rochester Americans and Chicago Wolves.  It’s basically a done deal that the Sabres and Amerks will become affiliated again.  That would leave the Pirates and Wolves looking for teams.  It’s also widely believed that Tampe Bay wants out of Norfolk and there’s potential for them to partner with Syracuse.  That would leave Anaheim in need of an affiliate.  Maybe the Ducks will go back to Portland?  That could leave Florida to go with Norfolk and Vancouver to team up with Chicago.

Got that?  phew!!  Chances are things will change, those are just the current guesses.

Here’s more on the Moose moving… From the article:

Telegram Sports Editor —

The Telegram has learned Danny Williams has a tentative agreement in place with True North Sports and Entertainment that will see the new Winnipeg NHL team house its American Hockey League team at Mile One Centre in St. John’s for the 2011-2012 AHL season.

The paper has also learned St. John’s Sports and Entertainment is currently meeting to approve an agreement in principle for a lease arrangement with Williams and Mile One Centre.

A news conference may be called this evening.

St. John’s was last home to an AHL team in 2004-05, the last season for the St. John’s Maple Leafs.

Stay tuned for the sale of the Amerks to the Sabres to become official!