After breaking ties with the Florida Everblades earlier in the offseason, the Carolina Hurricanes may have found a replacement ECHL affiliate.

After the announcement was made that the Carolina Hurricanes and the Florida Everblades were parting ways, speculation began as to who the next ECHL affiliate would be. The Hurricanes made no official announcement about searching for a new partner, and made no indications that they were set to sign, or even search for, a new affiliate.

Having only two players (Jeremy Helvig and Callum Booth) in the ECHL system, many believed that the Hurricanes would simply loan these players out to other ECHL teams, and continue unaffiliated.

Information that I have received from sources close to the team in question seems to contradict this notion. That being said, I have a few caveats before we get into the meat of the rumor: take everything you read in this article with a grain of salt. We, as humans, are fully capable of being incorrect. Information can oftentimes be fickle, and changes hands so many times, it can resemble a bizarre version of the ‘telephone’ game we all played as kids. Proceed with caution, and get your salt-shakers ready.

According to a source close to the ECHL team, the Greenville Swamp Rabbits and the Carolina Hurricanes are set to announce an affiliation soon. According to the source, the affiliation is a “done deal” and all that’s left is to “coordinate announcements and website changes.” The source wishes to remain nameless, but I am very confident in their information and integrity.

This would be huge news if true, especially for those of us who live in the Upstate of South Carolina and have been dying for a sense of inclusion in the One Carolina mentality. As I’ve said in a previous article, affiliating with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits would be the perfect way to unite the two Carolinas, and bring more hockey fans into the Hurricanes organization.

Like I said, Caniacs; please take this rumor with a grain of salt. I am confident in my source, yet I am fully aware of the toll the rumor mill takes on people and their individual integrity. A healthy dose of skepticism is more than welcome. I, however, hope this news does come to fruition but until an official announcement is made, keep your fingers crossed.

Question for CC Readers: Do you think this would be a good move, or would you rather the Canes search elsewhere (or even remain without an affiliate)?