The NY Islanders AHL affiliate will have a new home and new city for the 2026-27 season according to NHL insider

Back in June, NHL insider Frank Seravalli reported that the NY Islanders AHL affiliate, the Bridgeport Islanders, were the center of discussions regarding an AHL team returning to Hamilton, ON, just outside of Toronto.

Today, in an X exchange with Kenny Kaminsky of Isles In The Sound, Servalli doubled down on his report from six months ago, stating, "They are moving to Hamilton. It's happening."

The Bridgeport Islanders will be relocating to Hamilton, ON

TD Coliseum, the newly named venue in Hamilton, recently underwent a $300M renovation, intending to bring professional hockey back to the city. With a maximum capacity of 18,000, TD Coliseum opened its doors for the first time after renovations just two months ago, with Paul McCartney serving as the venue's first performance.

The Bridgeport Islanders/Bridgeport Sound Tigers have called Bridgeport home since 2001. Just a short drive South down I-95, taking either one hour or four hours, depending on the time of day, was a quick trip to Long Island, allowing the NY Islanders to recall players who could quickly report to LI.

In 2021, the Bridgeport Islanders signed a 10-year lease to continue playing at Total Mortgage Arena. Total Mortgage Arena is operated by Oak View Group, which also operates the newly renovated TD Coliseum.

The news is a tough blow for Islanders fans in the area. Those who live in the areas surrounding Bridgeport could easily attend games and see future Islanders players without having to travel across the Throgs Neck Bridge to Long Island.

While neither the NY Islanders nor Bridgeport Islanders have commented on the potential move, all signs point to the Islanders' AHL affiliate beginning next season playing North of the border.