Charlotte Checkers

The Charlotte Checkers category follows the Florida Panthers' American Hockey League affiliate and the primary professional development stop for Panthers prospects. Coverage includes assignments, recalls, roster moves, playoff runs and players working toward NHL opportunities in Florida. The current AHL Checkers franchise was created in 2010 after the Albany River Rats relocated to Charlotte, reviving a Checkers name with roots in the city's professional hockey history dating to the 1950s. Charlotte won the Calder Cup in 2019 and became the Florida Panthers' AHL affiliate beginning with the 2020-21 season. The organization remains the top development stop for many Panthers prospects.