Syracuse, N.Y. — Talks have begun about extending the Syracuse Crunch-Tampa Bay Lightning affiliation, a relationship that on paper has at least one year left but in reality appears to be a lot more secure than that.

The Lightning and Crunch are heading into their third season together in 2014-15. This will be the final locked-in year of their original deal. After that comes a pair of two-year extensions, before which either side can opt out.

A breakup after this season seems extremely unlikely. Crunch owner Howard Dolgon and Tampa Bay assistant general manager Julien BriseBois have started chatting about picking up the first extension, although the deadline for doing so remains unclear.

"I'm not worried at all. I don't have a deadline. Things are going well,'' BriseBois said. "I'm very happy. I love the fan support. They (the management) have been fabulous partners for us.''

In the first year of the agreement two seasons ago, Tampa Bay's young talent took Syracuse to the Calder Cup final. Last year, the Crunch missed the playoffs.

"I think it's a great mutual relationship,'' Dolgon said. "They deliver on what they promise. I think our free agent signings (this summer) were great, great. And they did things up there that assures depth up there.''

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