PORTLAND (AP) – The Anaheim Ducks have dropped their three-year-old affiliation with the Portland Pirates, and a newspaper says the Buffalo Sabres may become the Pirates’ new NHL parent.

The Ducks announced Tuesday a new two-year deal with the American Hockey League team formerly known as the Iowa Stars. Brian Petrovek, the Pirates’ managing owner and CEO, says his team is grateful for its association with the Ducks and wish them well as they relocate their minor-league player development activities closer to home.

The Portland Press Herald says Buffalo recently ended its 29-year affiliation with the Rochester Americans and is expected to team up with Portland. Neither the Pirates nor the Sabres would comment.

During their three years with Anaheim, the Pirates have posted a record of 135-76-13-16.