A farm team of the Red Wings routinely over the last two decades, the ECHL's Toledo Walleye remained on board as Detroit's secondary affiliate at the AA level after signing a two-year deal on Wednesday.
↵↵↵UPDATE: The Detroit Red Wings have signed a two-year affiliation agreement with the
↵— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) August 1, 2012@toledowalleye of the@echl.
The deal will run through the 2013-14 season, as the Red Wings will continue to share their affiliation in Toledo with the Chicago Blackhawks, who also use the Walleye as a secondary affiliate. Though the Grand Rapids Griffins will continue to serve as Detroit's No. 1 affiliate, Toledo helps to serve as a helpful pipeline of players and prospects that just aren't quite ready to make the leap to AAA hockey.
↵"We are proud to continue our partnership with one of the premier organizations in the ECHL," Red Wings assistant general manager Ryan Martin said. "The Walleye coaches will continue to play an integral role in helping develop some of the Red Wings prospects and prepare them for the next step in their careers."