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Europe is raiding the Florida Everblades. This time it was a player who was ready to accept the ECHL’s team qualifying offer.

Defenseman Matt Bannan signed with ESV Kaufbeuren in Germany on Friday, becoming the first of the six Everblades extended qualifying offers to turn one down.

“We were disappointed,” Blades head coach Gerry Fleming said Saturday. “We pursued him hard after the season ended. He was somebody we wanted to keep.”

Defenseman Corey Neilson (England), goalie Phil Osaer (Wales), and the Blades’ top two scorers from last year — Dan Sisca (Italy) and Steve Saviano (Sweden) — have all left for Europe.

The 25-year-old Bannan, more of an offensive defenseman, was signed late in the regular season. He played four games, registering one assist. He played in all eight Everblades playoff games, scoring one goal.

But the money and the chance to play overseas were too much to resist.

“He just couldn’t refuse the offer,” Fleming said.

Four of the six Blades extended qualifying offers have not responded. Phil Aucoin signed last week. Forward Kevin Bergin, who would be the leading returning scorer if he comes back, and defensemen John Adams, Chris Lee and Tyson Teplitsky are the other four who were given qualifying offers.

The Blades still retain Bannan’s ECHL rights for the upcoming season.