The AHL is expected to return to Hamilton, Ontario for the 2026-27 season according to Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff.
Seravalli reported that discussions remain ongoing but that the Bridgeport Islanders, AHL affiliate for the New York Islanders, could be relocating to Hamilton.
The Hockey News' Islanders reporter Stefen Rosner emphasized that this is not a done deal.
Hamilton''s newly named TD Coliseum is in the midst of a $280 million renovation that is expected to be completed in late 2025.
The OHL's Hamilton Bulldogs moved to Brantford prior to the 2023-24 season, the NLL's Toronto Rock moved to Mississauga, and the CEBL's Hamilton Honey Badgers permanently relocated to Brampton when the renovations began.
The Toronto Rock announced they will return to TD Coliseum for the 2025-26 NLL season.
The AHL originally moved to Hamilton for the 1996-97 season when the Cape Breton Oilers were forced to relocate.
Hamilton served as the AHL affiliate for the Edmonton Oilers from 1996-2002 and the Montreal Canadiens from 2002-2015 before the team was sold to the Canadiens and relocated to St. John's. The Bulldogs captured the 2007 Calder Cup.
Sports Business Journal reported that Oak View Group were in discussions with the league to bring a team to Hamilton in October 2024.
Last week Hamilton Spectator columnist Scott Radley speculated the AHL could return to Hamilton by September 2026.
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