Today in the “A”: Terry Pegula’s Shopping List

Today in the A, there is news reported by the Associated Press, that the Buffalo Sabres are looking into the purchase of the AHL’s Rochester Americans.

The report cites anonymous sources.

If it were to become reality, the Sabres would be reunited with a club that hosted their prospects for nearly three decades. Long regarded as one of the AHL’s elite, the Amerks only playoff appearance since the Sabres departure in 2008, was a one and done first round loss last season to the Abbottsford Heat (CAL).

The Americans, between 1983 and 2000, made it to the Calder Cup Finals an impressive nine times, winning the championship on three of those occasions. You’ll recognize the names of the winning coaches: 1983 – Mike Keenan, 1987 – John Van Boxmeer, 1996 – John Tortorella. Two of those losses in the finals were at the hands of the 1990 and 1991 Springfield Indians.

Details would have to be worked out regarding affiliations. The Sabres have three more years on their deal with the Portland Pirates. The Amerks parent club currently is the Florida Panthers.