Chatter on the future

Latest on the future:

• Pirates' negotiations nearing an end, WCSH6 Portland
  
• New offer, but still no deal for the Pirates, Portland Press Herald
  
• Pirates push for rights to more revenue, Portland Press Herald
  
• Why Albany? Location, location, location, Portland Press Herald
• Pirates: Civic center deal 'highly unlikely', CMSB Media
• Audio: CCCC Board of Trustees press conference, CMSB Media
• Pirates' statement regarding lease negotiations, PortlandPirates.com
  

Report: Negotiation tactics revealed

The Central Maine Sports Blog, a reputable online publication covering sports in Maine, offers a revealing inside account and perspective of the negotiations between the Times Union Center and the Portland Pirates. 

Arena GM: AHL deal 'potentially close'

Times Union Center General Manager Bob Belber tells the Albany Times Union that a deal to bring a new AHL team to the city could be in place by the first week of March. 

Pirates' owner talks about the future

Managing owner of the Portland Pirates Brian Petrovek sits down with Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union to discuss the possibility of the franchise relocating to the Capital District. Read the full interview here. 

Chatter on the future

Latest on the future:

• Pirates' future in Portland uncertain, FOX 23 Portland
  
• Schumer wants Pirates to skate their way to Albany, Buffalo News
  
• Misinformation can cause more harm than good, LetsGoSabres.com
  
• Senator Collins releases statement on Portland Pirates' relocation rumors, Maine Hockey Journal
  
• Pirates moving is becoming political, Maine Hockey Journal
  
• AHL affiliation changes coming, SportsTalkBuzz.com

(A source with an inside track tells us a deal is close to being completed!)

Chatter on the future

Latest on the future:

• Portland owner denies team moving to Albany, Troy Record
  
• Portland CEO won't discuss Albany move, Albany Times Union
  
• Portland Pirates: 'We're not looking for alternatives', WCSH-6
  
• Pirates keep move to Albany an option, Buffalo News
  
• Pirates owner insists team committed to Portland, MPBN
  

Chatter on the future

Latest on the future:

• Pirates may ship to Albany, Albany Times Union
  
• AHL deal not on hold, but could take awhile: arena GM, Albany Times Union 
  
• Large turnouts this month could help keep AHL hockey here, Albany Times Union
  
• River Rats players, coaches ponder move to North Carolina, Schenectady Daily Gazette
• Fans react to River Rats' departure, WTEN-10
  

Rumor: Trevor Gillies Talking with Buffalo

There is a rumor floating around that former River Rats' enforcer and free agent Trevor Gillies is in discussions with the Buffalo Sabres. The Maine Hockey Journal has the story.