The Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs might be on the lookout for new ECHL affiliates next season due to financial challenges faced by the Trois-Rivières Lions (Canadiens affiliate) and the Newfoundland Growlers (Leafs affiliate). Reports suggest that both teams are teetering on the brink of bankruptcy, prompting the ECHL to potentially step in.

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“At this point, it appears the ECHL will assume control of both the Trois-Rivières and Newfoundland Growlers organizations,”
stated Vachon in a recent article. This significant development is expected to be a key agenda item at the ECHL board of governors meeting next week.
“The Lions’ future will be determined at the ECHL governors’ meeting on April 2. There won’t be a sale by Deacon Sports & Entertainment (DSE),” noted Vachon, citing a source. “Moreover, the Newfoundland company hasn’t met its debt repayment deadline.”

Since joining the ECHL in the 2021-22 season, the Lions have encountered financial difficulties, exacerbated by outstanding debts flagged by Quebec City in May 2023. These issues have cast a shadow over their home games at Colisée Vidéotron. Despite these challenges, the Lions are currently competing for a spot in the playoffs within the North division.

The Growlers, on the other hand, have been part of the ECHL since 2018 and made a splash by finishing first in their division with 94 points and clinching the Kelly Cup in their inaugural season. The future matchups between the Growlers and Lions, slated for three games in April, now hang in the balance, dependent on the decisions made at the forthcoming board meeting, which could determine if either team can finish their season.