Andrews expects the one-to-one ratio between AHL and NHL teams, established last season with the addition of Colorado (Colorado Avalanche) as the 31st AHL franchise, to continue when the latest NHL expansion team, in Seattle, starts play in the 2021-22 season.
The management for the Seattle team continues to do its due diligence on potential locations for an AHL affiliate, but Andrews said Monday he envisions the AHL team to be located on the West Coast.
With the AHL's Pacific Division at seven teams, such a location would allow the league to put the new Seattle affiliate in that division, bringing it into alignment with the three eight-team divisions. Andrews also projects that an expansion franchise would start in 2021-22, as well.
"We don't have anything to announce specifically, but I think that 2021 start is helpful to them and to us," Andrews said.