3rd year net minder Dryden McKay(45) had his ECHL team of last season implode, cease to exist in Newfoundland Growlers, but signs with Ontario Reign for 2024/2025.
The 6′ 181 lbs. goalie was completely outstanding through 4 years at Minnesota State University-Mankato Mavericks and won basically any award he could, including the 2022 Hobey Baker.
We think he still needs clearance to come back into his game, but feel it is right there waiting.
Undrafted defenseman Greg Moro(3) takes a pair of seasons under AHL contract with Stockton Heat, but spending the majority of his time, 44 ECHL games with affiliate Kansas City Mavericks to a new adventure overseas, signing with SaiPa of Liiga for 2022/2023.
The 6’4″ 205 lbs. blue liner did get a goal in each of his years up with the contract club and even connected with 6 assists in 13 games last frame to likely get him the look in Finland’s top league.
He spent a very productive and highly accountable four seasons at Clarkson University Golden Knights, leaving a +28 rating.
The 26-year old from Edmonton, AB will definitely need to continue to elevate his game in this tough hockey, but could easily blend in nicely as well.
He actually spends the better part of two seasons in Finland’s highest hockey before switching to Czech Extraliga late last season with HC Kometa Brno.
For 2024/2025, he spots probably the best decision for him moving forward and signs with Steinbach Black Wings Linz of IceHL.
Northern Cyclones‘ 2nd year left wing Sam Mitchell(81) commits Franklin Pierce University Ravens for 2024/2025.
The 6′ 181 lbs. forward had 9 assists last season and helped the team with the 2023 USPHL Premier Championship.
From Mt. Lebanon, PA, the 20-year old probably wants nothing more than to help his new college team win.
7th year, Latvian center Teddy Blueger(53) gets a trade from 2nd round draft club Pittsburgh Penguins, where he played his 1st 250 NHL games and 179 in the AHL.
The 6′ 185 lbs. forward was showing disintegrating numbers in the current frame, probably leading to his relocation to Vegas Golden Knights, but may have found a bit of a gem to get dealt to.
He’s twice a 20+ goal scorer in the minors and worth 10+ assists 3 going on 4 times in the big league.
The Minnesota State University-Mankato Mavericks‘ 4-year played was good for 10+ goals twice and 20+ assists twice.
At 28-years old, it’s probably nice for him to get a new start.
He starts to ignite his scoring some, submitting for 2 goals and 4 assists in 18 games, then adding another 2 points in 6 playoff matchups, en route to a 2023 Stanley Cup Championship.
He gets his name etched on the trophy and is an unrestricted free agent signs a 1-year deal with the rebuilding forever Vancouver Canucks worth some $1.9M AAV.
Scoring a new best 22 assists and career tying 28 points, he is rewarded to stay in a Canucks‘ jersey for 2 more seasons at $1.8M AAV.
Undrafted, graduate goaltender Brad Arvanitis(32) takes a hot finish with D3 Babson College Beavers to a 1st pro contract with the very playoff ready Rapid City Rush.
In his ECHL debut, he scored a 5-1 victory.
The 6’2″ 180 lbs. net minder posted an 11-4-2 record with a 2.52 GA and .918 SV% in his final frame.
He’s definitely had an interesting little journey, first tending cage for EHLP team, Walpole Express before moving up to an NAHL season for Coulee Region Chill before heading to 2 seasons of limited use with UMass Minutemen.
The 24-year old will probably be able to excel in the league if he looks to stick around.
He only started one game his rookie frame before being dealt to Tulsa Oilers, where he played in 2 before being released and picked up by Pensacola Ice Flyers, which he stitched together an admirable 9-6-2 mark with a 2.71 GAA and .919 SV% in 20 SPHL games.
For 2023/2024, he picks up a deal with Maine Mariners, who likely saw him play in college some.
He runs an impressive regular season record of 20-10-1, but in the playoffs was stellar with a 1.69 GAA and .939 SV% to earn himself another contract to return to Maine.
Swedish-born, rookie center Filip Engaras(16) was recently flipped in a trade from 1st contract club, Bakersfield Condors to out of conference team, Utica Comets for the remainder of 2023.
The 6’1″ 201 lbs. forward actually spent more time with affiliate Fort Wayne Komets, appearing in 23 ECHL games with good scoring clips and on ice accountability, but does look to be headed towards the AHL to start with his new squad.
Originally an Edmonton Oilers‘ 6th round pick in the 2020 draft (#169 overall), but only signed a minor league contract to start his pro career.
A graduate of 4 years at University Of New Hampshire Wildcats, he definitely was able to connect for points as a junior and senior.
After 53 games last season, scoring 6 goals and 6 assists with a +2 rating, he is signed for a 1-year contract extension to stay a Comets.
University Of North Dakota Fighting Hawks‘ Swedish-born senior goaltender Ludvig Persson(32) signs with Wheeling Nailers and we will see if he figures in any ECHL playoff action.
The 6′ 181 lbs. net minder transferred from 3 years at Miami University (Ohio) Redhawks, where it couldn’t have been too easy.
He actually played 11 pro games in HockeyEttan before committing to the NAHL for a season of junior hockey that was stellar with Lone Star Brahmas before hitting college.
It will be interesting to see where the 24-year old decides to go.
He plays no games and signs for 2024/2025 with Brynas IF of the SHL.
Boston Jr. Terriers‘ 1st year defenseman Andrew Van Antwerp(4) came into the EHL from 2 junior GOJHL frames for Kitchener-Waterloo Siskins, posting 9 goals and 40 assists in their 2nd season.
He scored 8 goals and 21 assists in 39 games last year, then added 1 goal in their only playoff game.
The 5’11” 154 lbs. has chosen Albertus Magnus College Falcons for his 2024/2025 commit.
From Petoskey, MI, the 2o-year old initially came up through the Honeybaked 16U AA.
8th year net minder Matt O’Connor(29) gets a new, 3rd deal to stay with HK Nitra for 2022/2023.
In 32 games, the massive 6’6″ 205 lbs. goalie has a 2.35 GAA and .928 SV%.
He signed his 1st pro contract after an explosive junior year at Boston University Terriers, posting a 25-4-4 record in 35 NCAA Division 1 games with Ottawa Senators, but only stuck with them for 2 sessions.
The Toronto, ON native next signed with Nashville Predators, but struggled.
He was able to lift his performance in the next frame with Wheeling Nailers and would next jump and sign overseas with Rodovre Mighty Bulls, but still seemed to have troubles in Metal Ligaen.
The 3o-year old will likely stay put and continue to excel in Slovakia.
As is the case for a few players, who have been around for a little while, he signs on for 2023/2024 with SC Csikszereda of Erste Liga, so maybe their giving their international players some money.
He does very ok through 21 starts, but may yearns for the type of hockey he 1st came over for, so signs Ligue Magnus for 2024/2025 with Les Ducs d’Angers that should equal a strong signing for both parties.
Undrafted University Of Denver Pioneers‘ 2022 NCAA Division 1 Champs‘ graduate right wing Ryan Barrow(79) signs with Manchester Storm for 2022/2023.
He scored a college best 8 goals and 13 assists with a +19 rating as a senior.
The 6’2″ 183 lbs. forward from Banff, AB took an interesting route through junior hockey, 1st skating a pair of frames with local Banff Bears of the HJHL before moving on to 2 BCHL sessions for Langley Rivermen, where he really popped scoring in his 2nd frame with the team.
It would seem the decently sized rookie will find open space to score in a league such as the EIHL.
Coming off a fairly successful frame, scoring 12 goals and 20 assists in 30 games, he up and signs with rivals Cardiff Devils for 2023/2024.
After 50 games, scoring 13 goals and 19 assists with a +6 rating, he likes where he is and re-signs to stay a Devils.
