The Florida Everblades have entered into a multi-year affiliation agreement with the NHL's St. Louis Blues and AHL's Springfield (Mass.) Thunderbirds beginning in 2024-25.
The defending Kelly Cup-champion Florida Everblades have announced a multi-year affiliation agreement with the NHL's St. Louis Blues and AHL's Springfield (Mass.) Thunderbirds beginning in the upcoming 2024-25 season.
The Everblades were previously affiliated with the NHL's Florida Panthers and AHL's Charlotte Checkers prior to ending their agreement this offseason. Soon after, the Panthers and Checkers connected with the ECHL's Savannah Ghost Pirates.
“This affiliation with the St. Louis Blues is incredibly exciting for the Everblades organization and me personally,” said Everblades owner David Hoffmann, a Missouri native, in a statement. “Having the opportunity to partner with a team from my home state, a team with such a rich history and passionate fanbase, is truly special.
“Our new affiliation with the Everblades marks a great addition to our organizational system,” said Kevin Maxwell, General Manager of the St. Louis Blues’ AHL affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds. “The franchise has captured three consecutive Kelly Cup Championships and will provide an excellent environment for our prospects to continue in their professional development.”
The Tulsa Oilers were previously affiliated with the St. Louis Blues from 2017-2020, during which the Blues captured the franchise's first Stanley Cup championship in 2019. However, since then, St. Louis has been without an ECHL affiliate.
The Florida Everblades became the first time in ECHL history to win three consecutive Kelly Cup championships. The Everblades knocked off Toledo in five games in 2022, Idaho in four games in 2023, and, most recently, Kansas City in five games this past season.
The Tahoe Knight Monsters are now the only ECHL team not affiliated with an NHL team. However, the Knight Monsters are set to announce their NHL & AHL Affiliation, Mascot, and Jersey on Tuesday, July 16.