The two teams, the Trois-Rivières Lions and the Newfoundland Growlers, are owned by the NL-based company Deacon Sports & Entertainment (DSE). DSE is reportedly in debt. It was ordered by the league to sell the two teams before April 2. That hasn't, and reportedly won't happen, and the company has not repaid it's debts.
It will be a shame for the local fan bases if these two teams end up closing up shop entirely, or sold and relocated elsewhere. The Growlers have had success in the ECHL since the team's inception in 2018, winning the Kelly Cup in its very first season. The Growlers also won division titles in 2019 and 2022.