The Vancouver Canucks have entered into an affiliation agreement with the ECHL Alaska Aces, effective as of the start of the 2016-17 season. The Canucks will now be able to assign their prospects to Alaska for development, as well as the Utica Comets of the AHL.
This should be welcomed news for Vancouver’s prospects as the Canucks had to assign players last season to the Kalamazoo Wings, the Columbus Blue Jackets’ official ECHL affiliate.
Naturally, travel distance will be the biggest concern for the Aces and the Canucks’ ECHL prospects. Not only will the away-game travelling be a hassle for the Aces, but also the potential call-up to the AHL.