The American Hockey League has evolved into an operation where player development is the undisputed priority for its 30 member teams.
Even the old-school Chicago Wolves have made the transition, though the evolution has not harmed the on-ice bottom line for the St. Louis Blues' AHL affiliate.
(Ross Dettman/Chicago Wolves)
Since moving into the AHL from the former International Hockey League in 2001, the Wolves carved out a reputation as something of an independent operation.