The National Hockey League (NHL) may look at expanding its affiliate system (AHL) to include Western teams, and this could have a significant impact on both the Adirondack Flames and the Albany Devils.

The NHL has many teams on the West Coast and Western Canada, but there are no AHL teams in California. If that changes, it could spell the relocation of the two teams in the Capital Region, along with affiliates in Utica, Massachusetts, Virginia and Oklahoma City.

The Devils are the affiliate of the New Jersey Devils, an East Coast parent team, but the two sides agreement runs out at the end of the season. If a team in another city leaves for the West, that city could target the Devils. The Times Union Center is reportedly already in talks with New Jersey about keeping the Devils in Albany.

The Flames are reportedly a potential fit to be relocated to Stockton, Calif., closer to Calgary.

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