On Monday, the Nashville Predators announced a multi-year extension of their affiliation agreement with the American Hockey League’s Milwaukee Admirals, ensuring the partnership continues through the 2028-29 season.
This development, announced by Predators General Manager Barry Trotz, underscores a longstanding relationship that has been pivotal for player development and organizational success since the Predators’ inception in 1998-99. This report delves into the details of the announcement, the historical context of the Milwaukee Admirals, and the implications for both franchises.
The extension, announced in Nashville, Tennessee, extends the affiliation for four additional years, reinforcing a partnership that is the third-longest continuously active relationship in the AHL. This agreement is not merely a contractual renewal but a continuation of a symbiotic relationship that has seen 215 players appear for both teams, with 12 players doing so in the current 2024-25 season. The list of players includes forwards like Kieffer Bellows, Vinnie Hinostroza, Joakim Kemell, Zachary L’Heureux, Jake Lucchini, and Fedor Svechkov, and defensemen such as Ozzy Wiesblatt, Nick Blankenburg, Marc Del Gaizo, Kevin Gravel, Spencer Stastney, and Adam Wilsby.
Barry Trotz emphasized the significance of this extension, stating, “On behalf of the Predators organization, including our Assistant GM and Milwaukee GM Scott Nichol, we are excited to continue our well-established and prosperous affiliation with the Admirals for another four years. Under the leadership of Harris Turer and his ownership group and Jon Greenberg and his front office staff, the Admirals have fostered a winning culture with an emphasis on player development on and off the ice, helping our young men become prepared to take the next step at the NHL level. We are proud of our longstanding relationship with Milwaukee – one of the longest affiliations in our sport – and this commitment to the future will create an even stronger bond between our two franchises and fanbases.”
Harris Turer, Owner and CEO of the Milwaukee Admirals, echoed this sentiment, noting, “We are thrilled to extend our partnership with the Predators. Since 2005, when the road to Nashville goes through Milwaukee, this affiliation has been a cornerstone of our success. The Predators’ commitment to player development and their trust in our organization to nurture their prospects is a testament to the strong relationship we’ve built over the years. We look forward to continuing this fruitful collaboration for years to come.”
The Milwaukee Admirals are currently performing at a high level in the 2024-25 season, with a record of 32-20-5-6 (75 points) through 63 games, securing a berth in the Calder Cup Playoffs. This performance aligns with their historical trend of playoff qualifications, having reached the playoffs in 23 of their 26 AHL seasons. Last season, they advanced to the Western Conference Final for the second consecutive year.
The Milwaukee Admirals’ history dates back to 1970, when they were founded as the Milwaukee Wings, an amateur club. Renamed the Admirals in 1971, they joined the United States Hockey League in 1973 and transitioned to the International Hockey League in 1977 following the USHL’s shift to a junior league. The IHL’s cessation in 2001 led to their integration into the AHL, where they have since become a cornerstone of Milwaukee’s hockey scene.
Their affiliation with the Nashville Predators since 1998-99 has been instrumental in their development, with notable achievements including winning the Calder Cup in 2004 and reaching the finals in 2006. They have also won the Macgregor Kilpatrick Trophy for the best regular-season record in 2019-20, although the season was curtailed by the COVID-19 pandemic. That year, they opted out of the 2020-21 season due to ongoing restrictions but continued to pay their full-time employees, showcasing their commitment to staff welfare.
In 2016, the Admirals signed a 10-year contract to move to the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee Panther Arena, involving a $6.4 million investment to meet AHL standards, with the Admirals contributing $2 million. This move has solidified their presence in Milwaukee, enhancing fan engagement and infrastructure.
The Admirals have also been a platform for significant milestones, such as in 2023, when defenseman Luke Prokop made his AHL debut as the first openly gay player in league history, marking a historic moment for inclusivity in hockey.
The affiliation has not only benefited players but also coaches, with nine head and assistant coaches progressing from the Admirals to the NHL level. A notable example is Todd Richards, who served as the Admirals’ head coach from 2002 to 2006 and later won the AHL’s Louis A. R. Memorial Award as the most effective coach in 2010 while with another team. This pipeline underscores the Admirals’ role as a developmental hub, preparing talent for the NHL.
The extension of the affiliation agreement between the Nashville Predators and Milwaukee Admirals through 2028-29 is a recommitment to a robust partnership that has fostered player development, competitive success, and community engagement. The Admirals’ rich history, from their founding in 1970 to their current status as a playoff contender, underscores their legacy in Milwaukee and the AHL. This continued collaboration promises to strengthen both franchises, ensuring a bright future for hockey in the region.
Predators’ Press Release
| About the Admirals | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1970, as Milwaukee Wings; renamed Admirals in 1971 |
| League History | USHL (1973-1977), IHL (1977-2001), AHL (2001-present) |
| Affiliation with Predators | Since 1998-99, third-longest active streak in AHL |
| Calder Cup Wins | 1 (2004) |
| Calder Cup Finals Appearances | 2 (2004, 2006) |
| Playoff Qualifications (AHL) | 23 out of 26 seasons |
| Recent Performance (2024-25) | 32-20-5-6 (75 points), clinched Calder Cup Playoffs |
| Arena Move | University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee Panther Arena, 2016, 10-year contract |
| Regular Season Championships | 2 (2019-20, and another season) |
| Historical Milestone | Luke Prokop, first openly gay AHL player, debuted 2023 |
| Players Appeared for Both Teams | 215 total, 12 in 2024-25 season |
| Coaches to NHL | 9 head/assistant coaches, including Todd Richards (2002-06) |
