The Florida Everblades will become the Pittsburgh Penguins’ ECHL affiliate after the Hoffmann family’s approximately $1.75 billion purchase of the NHL franchise.
The Florida Everblades will become the Pittsburgh Penguins’ ECHL affiliate next season, strengthening ties between two hockey organizations now owned by the Naples-based Hoffmann Family of Companies.
Beginning with the 2026-27 season, the Everblades will serve as Pittsburgh’s ECHL affiliate, joining a player-development pipeline that also includes the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League.
“The Penguins are excited to partner with the Florida Everblades, who are one of the premier organizations in the ECHL,” Penguins Assistant General Manager Jason Spezza said. He pointed to the Everblades’ “championship pedigree and winning environment” as key factors in helping develop prospects.
The affiliation comes weeks after the Hoffmann family completed its purchase of the Penguins from Fenway Sports Group. Financial terms were not disclosed, though Forbes and CNBC valued the NHL franchise at roughly $1.75 billion. The deal also included the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and other business interests tied to the organization.
Fans welcomed home the Florida Everblades after a historic fifth Kelly Cup win. The Everblades will become the Pittsburgh Penguins’ ECHL affiliate after the Hoffmann family’s approximately $1.75 billion purchase of the NHL franchise.
When the acquisition closed in June, Hoffmann Family of Companies Chairman David Hoffmann said the family intended to build on the winning culture it established in Southwest Florida.
“We plan on putting together a winning franchise, the same as the Everblades,” Hoffmann said. “We’re going to invest whatever it takes.”
That culture is well established. The Everblades have won an ECHL-record five Kelly Cups, including four of the past five championships, since the Hoffmann Family of Companies acquired the franchise and Hertz Arena in 2019.
Spezza said the Penguins expect the partnership to provide Everblades coach Brad Ralph with players who can develop in a competitive environment while contributing to another championship pursuit in Southwest Florida.
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.