The Pittsburgh Penguins have officially named the Florida Everblades their ECHL affiliate, a move that will take effect at the start of the 2026‑27 season. The arrangement designates the Everblades as the league’s secondary developmental team, complementing the AHL‑level Wilkes‑Barre/Scranton Penguins that currently serve as the primary pipeline.
A Legacy of Winning
The Everblades, based in Estero, Florida, have become one of the most decorated franchises in ECHL history. Since their inception they have captured five Kelly Cups, including four of the last five championships, and hold the league record for playoff games played and playoff victories. Their consistent postseason appearances — 25 out of 26 seasons — underscore a culture of excellence that the Penguins hope to tap into.
Kyle Dubas, President of Hockey Operations and General Manager of the Penguins, made the announcement, emphasizing the strategic fit between the two organizations. "We are excited to welcome a team with such a winning pedigree into our development ecosystem," Dubas said. Jason Spezza, the Penguins’ Assistant General Manager, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the opportunity to nurture talent in a proven environment.
The partnership also reflects the Everblades’ recent change in ownership. Acquired in 2019 by David Hoffmann and the Hoffmann Family of Companies, the franchise has continued to thrive under a stable business model. Craig Brush, Brad Ralph and other front‑office figures have helped maintain the team’s competitive edge while expanding its community outreach.
Located in the Cape Coral‑Fort Myers metropolitan area, the Everblades operate out of Estero, Florida, a region that offers both geographic proximity and a growing hockey market. The proximity to the Penguins’ AHL affiliate in Wilkes‑Barre, Pennsylvania, creates a clear geographic corridor for player movement, training camp assignments and emergency call‑ups.