Canadiens moving AHL affiliate to Quebec for 2017-18

The Montreal Canadiens are moving their AHL club much closer to home.

The relocation of the AHL's St. John's IceCaps to Laval, Quebec, was unanimously approved by the league Monday.

The franchise's pro affiliate will play one more season in Newfoundland before moving to Place Bell, a multi-purpose facility under construction in the Montreal suburb.

"The relocation of our AHL affiliate in Laval will be beneficial in several ways, allowing for hockey management to follow the organization's young prospects and provide players and coaching staff with a great environment, a state-of-the-art hockey venue and a new and enthusiastic fan base," said Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin said in a statement.

The city of St. John's is discussing another agreement with the AHL and other leagues, IceCaps president and CEO Danny Williams said Monday, according to Stephen Whyno of The Associated Press.

Montreal launched a 'Name The Team' contest Monday that will run through July 22. The club will keep the IceCaps moniker until moving to Laval.

The Canadiens moved the AHL's former Hamilton Bulldogs to St. John's to become the new IceCaps before the 2015-16 season. The original IceCaps were moved to Winnipeg to become the new Manitoba Moose as the Jets' affiliate.