The Canadiens will move their top farm team to a new rink in Laval for the 2017-18 season, and it's expected to mean big business for the city.

The team said Monday that the American Hockey League board of governors has approved the relocation from St. John's, N.L.

The 10,000-seat, $200-million Place Bell arena is nearing completion in Laval.

As well as the main arena with NHL-size ice surface, the complex will have a community rinks and an international size rink.

“For us it’s nothing but good news, and for Laval, it’s great news,” said Habs owner Geoff Molson.

The St. John's IceCaps have been the Canadiens main affiliate since moving from Hamilton two years ago.

With the move, the Habs are asking their Laval fans to pick a new name for the IceCaps, to be announced in the fall.

Having the AHL team in Montreal would make it much easier to transfer players in the event of injury or other roster moves.

It’s a win-win situation for the Habs and for the AHL players, said Molson.

“To have that experience as a young kid preparing to be part of the Montreal Canadiens - I think it will better prepare them for the intensity of our fans,” he said.

It would also allow managers and coaches to watch games and see how players are doing.

"The NHL is a tough league," said head coach Marc Bergevin. "Not a lot of people make the jump from junior to NHL... so I believe the road to Montreal will go through Laval."

Laval Mayor Marc Demers is pleased with the move.

"The club will help consolidate the Laval identity to create a team spirit, strengthen our sense of belonging and foster pride in the Laval community," he said in a news release.

"This new identity will help to shape the culture of our city and generate a unifying effect that will strengthen the community."

The team will also create about 400 jobs in the community.

In St. John’s, the IceCaps drew about 6,000 fans per game. Molson said his goal is to fill all 10,000 seats in Laval. Tickets are expected to be in line with the AHL average of about $25 per ticket.


With files from The Canadian Press