BINGHAMTON, NY (WSKG) - The Binghamton Devils will relocate to Newark, N.J. this season, the home of its National Hockey League (NHL) affiliate, the New Jersey Devils.
The decision was part of the American Hockey League's (AHL) plans for the season, which were announced on Monday. According to NHL.com, Binghamton was one of four teams granted temporary permission to relocate for 2021. Play begins Feb. 5.
"This decision was made in the best business interests of Binghamton, while allowing the organization to continue to develop its prospects," said Jake Reynolds, President of the New Jersey Devils. "Being based out of New Jersey also allows a consistency with testing, monitoring and training to be in-line with our protocols on the NHL level. All of these factors influenced the move to minimize concerns and allow the organization to have a team this year."
Binghamton was 34-24-4 when the 2019-20 season shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The record would have been good enough for a playoff spot. The season stopped in March and was officially cancelled in May.