The Colorado Avalanche are switching their AHL affiliate from the Lake Erie Monsters to the San Antonio Rampage, Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic announced on Friday. The Rampage and Avalanche will be paired for five years, starting next season.

“We are pleased to announce this new affiliation with San Antonio,” Sakic said in a statement. “The Rampage organization has a great reputation and we look forward to our prospects developing in such an environment.”

San Antonio is heading into this season’s Calder Cup playoffs – which start next week – as the AHL’s West Division champion. The Rampage – along with the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs – are owned and operated by Spurs Sports and Entertainment.

The Columbus Blue Jackets will take over as Lake Erie’s NHL affiliate. The Monsters and Avs worked together for the previous eight seasons.

The Florida Panthers will move on from their partnership with San Antonio. The Panthers announced that they would start an affiliation with the Portland Pirates next season.

Nathan is a staff writer for Mile High Sports. He can be reached on Twitter at @TheRealNatron.

For complete coverage of the Avalanche.