University Of Vermont Catamounts‘ senior defenseman Dylan Gratton(25) leaves his 3rd school after 22 games and 1 assist to turn pro, signing a contract for the remainder of 2025/2026 with the team, his captain, brother Tyler plays for, Utah Grizzlies.
The 6′ 185 lbs. forward did 3 USHL seasons of junior hockey with a 2022 Clark Cup Championship before heading to his 1st school, Penn State University Nittany Lions.
He did 2 years there, then transferred to University Of Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks for 1 session.
5th year, former Boston College Eagles‘ 2-time captain, center Christopher Brown(10) signs a 1-year AHL contract for 2023/2024 to Rochester Americans after posting ECHL career highs 24 goals and 40 assists for 64 points with Jacksonville Icemen.
Originally a Buffalo Sabres‘ 6th round pick in the 2014 draft (#151 overall), he never signed and his 1st deal was with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins as a rookie, so it’s interesting he’s come back around with their affiliate.
He was mostly reassigned and then signed in Florida with good results to start and then a 2nd season split time between on loan to Hershey Bears.
We believe the bet is the 27-year old from Bloomfield Hills, MI and son of former NHL veteran Doug Brown is set to sparking the higher level.
He actually continues as captain down in Florida and cobbles together a 2nd best point total (59), so for 2024/2025, he is easily re-signed to continue in upper state with the Amerks, when needed.
For his 6th season, 5th as team captain, he returns to the Icemen for 2025/2026 and already has 6 goals and 4 assists in 12 games.
After 13 goals and 15 assists in 49 games, he is dealt to his 1st new team in awhile, Toledo Walleye, where he will continue to score big.
Hamilton College Continentals‘ graduate right wing Matt Gellerman(17) signs a 1st pro deal with Port Huron Prowlers for his rookie season, 2025/2026.
In 3 games, he has a 1st FPHL goal.
The 6’3″ 200 lbs. forward biggest scoring college season by a mile was as a sophomore, where he got 11 goals and 7 assists in 22 games.
From Inver Grove Heights., MN, the 25-year is likely still looking for his spot, but could produce in bunches once he gets going.
After 5 games with a 1st goal in the league, he is moved to Biloxi Breakers for the 2nd half of 2025/2026.
Trinity College Bantams‘ senior right wing Richard Boysen(23) signed after his college career was complete, but elects to go with Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs for his rookie season, 2025/2026.
He scored best as a junior with 11 goals and 13 assists.
The 6’1″ 216 lbs. forward has 5 goals and 6 assists in 30 SPHL games with a +4 rating.
He did 2 years of NAHL juniors for Northeast Generals before heading to school.
After 45 games, scoring ok, he is oddly waived and picked up quickly by Pensacola Ice Flyers for the 2nd half of 2025/2026.
Arizona State University Sun Devils‘ graduate left wing Lukas Sillinger(39) has steadily put up better numbers with 37 assists and 48 points last season and already has 3 assists in 6 games this year.
He initially did 2 sessions at Bemidji State University Beavers, where he was a point-per-game player as a sophomore.
The 5’11” 170 lbs. forward was born in Regina, SK and did 3 BCHL campaigns before college.
He’s the 24-year old son of Mike Sillinger, veteran of 1049 NHL games.
After a season of 8 goals and 30 assists in 35 games with a +8 rating, he waits a bit, but signs a pto to join Iowa Wild for his rookie season, 2025/2026.
In 5 AHL games with no points, he is released and quickly scooped up by Florida Everblades to skate the 2nd half of 2025/2026.
After 7 ECHL games with 1 assist and a -3 rating, Allen Americans see him floundering and think they can provide the spark, signing him to a contract.
Ferris State University Bulldogs‘ junior defense Andrew Noel(28) leaves a year on the table to sign with Cincinnati Cyclones for his rookie season, 2025/2026.
In 17 games, he has 2 goals and 4 assists.
The 6’1″ 190 lbs. blue liner from Maynard, MA did 2 years of juniors before school, including 1 in the BCHL.
At 25-years old, he is scoring better as a pro.
In his 1st year, he is doing ok, but gets himself traded to Utah Grizzlies for the 2nd half.
Washington Capitals‘ 4th round pick in 2018 (#124 overall), goaltender Mitchell Gibson(35) finished up his 4 years at Harvard University Crimson with a stellar performance as a senior with a best record 18-7-2 with 3 shutouts.
He signs a very conservative at 23-years old 1-year NHL entry level contract.
The 6’1″ 187 lbs. net minder has certainly proven he can shoulder the load for a top-ranked team at college.
From Phoenixville, PA, he probably just a little excited to get started with pro hockey close to home for affiliate Hershey Bears.
He would work 1 more year under contract with the big club, but still was not getting the appearance despite some good play in the minors.
For 2025/2026, he signs an AHL contract to be a Bears.
After putting up some solid numbers in both lower leagues, the parent club is still paying attention and signs him to a 2-year extension through 2029 to rejoin the Capitals.
Knoxville Ice Bears‘ rookie goaltender Tyriq Outen(1) got loaned up to and signs with Wichita Thunder, is 2-1-1 in 4 ECHL games, but looks to better 3.85 GAA and .875 SV%.
The big 6’4″ 192 lbs. net minder was 1-3 in 5 SPHL games before being sent to the higher league.
From Tampa, FL, he jumped around schools, originally going to Acadia University Axemen, but played no games, then transferred to Stevenson University Mustangs, going 19-6 with a 1.82 GAA, .943 SV% and 4 shutouts.
He took this performance to signing with Long Island University Sharks and he continued, recording a 7-5-1 record with 1.93 GAA and .920 SV%.
We think the 25-year old, one-time South Shore Kings, Maine Nordiques is just getting his footing started.
In no time, Kalamazoo Wings need him more, so give up some future considerations to score him.
4th year left wing Peter Laviolette(11) got ECHL waived and picked up quick by Savannah Ghost Pirates in hopes to get him producing points the way his size 6’4″ 220 lbs. thinks it should.
He was almost a point-per-game scorer in his graduate year at Plymouth State University Panthers.
Twice did he score 11 points with West Virginia hometown Wheeling Nailers, a team he spent 3 seasons with.
The 28-year old is the son of Coach Laviolette.
Schwenninger Wild Wings‘ 3rd year defenseman Will Weber(78) will hang around for a 4th frame, as he signs a 1-year extension through 2024/2025.
The big 6’4″ 227 lbs. blue liner doesn’t necessarily put up a lot of points, but is a fairly accountable, very large presence out there.
Originally a Columbus Blue Jackets‘ 2nd round pick in the 2007 draft (#57 overall), he only twice had 10+ assists.
The first time was his sophomore season at Miami University (Ohio) Redhawks and the 2nd was his 1st session of DEL for Fischtown Pinguins.
At 35-years old, he has to be glad he’s still pulling down good contracts to play pro hockey.
Add another season, as he will skate for a 6th frame in a Wild Wings‘ jersey that he is looking mighty comfortable in lately.
And yup, he may not be playing as many games as a 37-year old, 23, but will return for more Wild Wings in 2026/2027.
