The St. Louis Blues have added a new minor league affiliate.
The NHL team announced a multi-year affiliation agreement with the ECHL's Florida Everblades on Wednesday.
The Everblades, coming off their third consecutive Kelly Cup championship and fourth in franchise history, opted to end their affiliation with the Florida Panthers in June after nearly two years.
The two Sunshine State clubs had been affiliated three times previously, partnering together for the 2001-02 season, as well as from 2005-07 and 2008-10.
The Blues, who have not held an ECHL affiliate since 2020, begin their new agreement with the Everblades with the start of the 2024-25 season. They are also partnered with the Springfield Thunderbirds of the American Hockey League.
“This affiliation with the St. Louis Blues is incredibly exciting for the Everblades organization and me personally,” said Everblades owner David Hoffmann, a native of Missouri, in a statement released by the team. “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."
