The Florida Panthers solidified a part of their developmental pipeline through 2029, securing a multi-year deal with a rising ECHL Savannah squad fresh off its first Kelly Cup Playoff appearance.
The Florida Panthers will be keeping the same teams in their pipeline for the foreseeable future.
On Tuesday, the Panthers announced a new three-year affiliation extension with the ECHL’s Savannah Ghost Pirates that will run through the 2028-29 season.
Florida and Savannah have been affiliates since June of 2024.
“The Savannah Ghost Pirates have been a tremendous partner in our player development pipeline, and we are pleased to extend our affiliation agreement,” Panthers Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations Paul Krepelka said in a statement released by the team. “Along with our AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers, we look forward to building on the strong relationships we have established within our system to ensure the continued success and growth of our players and staff.”
The Ghost Pirates are fresh off the first Kelly Cup Playoff appearance in the franchise’s short four-year history.
They finished fourth in the South Division, earning a first-round matchup with the eventual Kelly Cup Champion Florida Everblades.
After improving on their point total in each of their four years in the ECHL, the Ghost Pirates will look to build on the success they found in 2025-26 now that they have solidified their professional affiliations.
“We are extremely excited to continue our partnership with the Florida Panthers and the Charlotte Checkers,” John Thompson, Executive Vice President of Zawyer Sports Savannah, said in a statement. “We want to thank the entire Panthers organization as we continue to build success over the next three seasons.”
Savannah is set to kick off their fifth season on Oct. 16 when they host the Norfolk Admirals.
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Photo caption: The Ghost Pirates logo at center ice at the Enmarket Arena. (Richard Burkhart/Savannah Morning News / USA TODAY NETWORK)
