The Predators Sign Extension With ECHL Affiliate Florida Everblades

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Nashville Predators has agreed to an affiliation extension with the Florida Everblades of the ECHL. Through the agreement, the Everblades will continue to function as a developmental affiliate for the Predators and the AHL’s Milwaukee Admirals, their primary developmental affiliate.

Based in Estero, Florida, the Everblades are one of the most successful franchises in ECHL history, having qualified for the playoffs in all but one of their 23 seasons. Florida claimed the Kelly Cup as ECHL champions in 2012 and has reached the league’s final on four separate occasions, the most recent coming in 2018.

“We look forward to seeing our prospects develop with the Everblades and continue their rich history of winning at the ECHL level,” says President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile. “We feel this is a partnership that will continue to benefit the Predators, Admirals and Everblades moving forward.”

In the 2020-21 season, fifth-year head coach and Director of Hockey Operations Brad Ralph led the Everblades to a 42-19-8 record and the top spot in the ECHL’s Eastern Conference in the regular season. Among the players signed by the Predators who helped Florida secure a playoff spot included forwards Tanner Jeannot, Cole Smith, Patrick Harper and Tommy Novak and goaltender Devin Cooley. Jeannot and Smith both went on to make their NHL debuts with Nashville during the 2020-21 campaign.

In addition to Jeannot and Smith, among the Everblades alumni to move on to the NHL after playing for the team include Dallas Stars goaltender Anton Khudobin, Detroit Red Wings goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic, Carolina Hurricanes forward Steven Lorentz and former Predators players Matt Hendricks, Shane Hnidy and Jason Morgan.

Steven Boero
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