ECHL: 2025-26 Qualifying Offers | Indy Fuel

The Indy Fuel are wasting no time fueling up for 2025–26.

On July 7, the team announced it has extended qualifying offers to eight players from its season-ending roster—the maximum allowed under ECHL rules. That means the Fuel aren’t just gearing up for next season—they’re making a clear statement about who they want to keep in the conversation.

Players receiving qualifying offers:
The Indy Fuel have extended qualifying offers to eight players ahead of the 2025–26 ECHL season, reaching the league’s maximum. The list includes six forwards (Matus Spodniak, Nathan Burke, Bryan Lemos, Cam Hausinger, Colin Bilek, Jarrett Lee) and two defensemen (Ty Farmer, Max Coyle), giving Indy negotiating rights to a forward-heavy group as offseason roster building continues.

Quick Pit Stop: What’s a Qualifying Offer?

Every summer, ECHL teams get one chance to hold onto key names before free agency hits. That’s where qualifying offers come in.

Think of it like putting a nameplate back on a locker—no contract yet, but a clear signal: we want you back.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Each team can send out up to eight qualifying offers
• Of those eight, only four can go to veterans (260+ regular-season pro games as of last year)
• If a player has already signed a deal, they don’t need one
• Players on a qualifying offer can’t be traded
• If not signed by August 8, they’re free to go elsewhere in the ECHL

It’s not a guarantee, but it’s a line drawn in the sand. These are the players Indy still wants in their system. Whether they sign or not? That’s the next chapter.

Player Spotlight: Matus Spodniak – Forward

Matus Spodniak has quietly grown into a dependable part of Indy’s forward group, and his qualifying offer shows the Fuel aren’t ready to close that chapter.

In 2024–25, he played 46 games with Indy, tallying six goals and seven assists for 13 points, along with a goal in four playoff appearances. He also earned a brief call-up to the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs, where he scored once in 6 games.

Spodniak first joined the Fuel in 2022–23 after leading all NCAA Division III scorers at Adrian College with 57 points in just 31 games. Since then, he’s proven he can keep up at the pro level and continues to trend upward.

Player Spotlight: Jarrett Lee – Forward

Jarrett Lee found his stride after joining the Fuel late in the 2024–25 season. In just 15 regular-season games with Indy, he tallied two goals and seven assists for nine points and followed it up with three points in four playoff games, showing strong chemistry and quick adjustment to the lineup.

Before arriving in Indy, Lee spent time with the Orlando Solar Bears, recording 17 points in 40 games. He’s also skated for Wheeling and Cincinnati in previous seasons, bringing versatility and growing offensive confidence.

With a qualifying offer extended, the Fuel appear interested in seeing what a full season in Indy could unlock for the 26-year-old forward.

Player Spotlight: Bryan Lemos – Forward

Bryan Lemos was a playmaking force for the Fuel in 2024–25. He led the team in assists with 48 and finished second in total points with 57 over 69 regular-season games. He added four points in four playoff appearances, continuing his steady offensive impact in the postseason.

This past season marked Lemos’ third full year with Indy, where he’s become a familiar face and consistent contributor. His time overseas with the Guildford Flames in 2023–24 was brief, but his return to the Fuel proved productive, with back-to-back 40+ point campaigns.

Player Spotlight: Cam Hausinger – Forward

Cam Hausinger brought physical energy and secondary scoring to the Fuel lineup in 2024–25. In 61 regular-season games, he recorded 18 goals and 17 assists (35 points) along with 116 penalty minutes, finishing among the team leaders in both goals and grit.

Known for his agitating style and relentless work ethic, Hausinger also saw AHL action with the Chicago Wolves, appearing in three games. While he didn’t find the scoresheet there, his high-motor game earned attention at the next level.

With ECHL experience across multiple teams and consistent playoff appearances, including a strong run with Wheeling in 2022, Hausinger’s qualifying offer is a clear sign that Indy values his edge and energy heading into 2025–26.

Player Spotlight: Colin Bilek – Forward

Colin Bilek has developed into a reliable all-situations forward for the Fuel, delivering strong offensive numbers and playoff experience. In 2024–25, he posted 18 goals and 34 assists (52 points) across 66 games, finishing among the team’s top scorers. He added three assists in four playoff games.

This marked his second full season in Indy, building on a 43-point campaign the year prior. Bilek also has AHL experience with Manitoba and Rockford, as well as a previous ECHL stint with Trois-Rivières.

His qualifying offer is a sign the Fuel are eager to keep his scoring and veteran presence in the lineup heading into 2025–26.

Player Spotlight: Max Coyle – Defenseman

Max Coyle joined the Fuel late in the 2024–25 season after spending most of the year with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits. In total, he appeared in 45 regular-season games between the two clubs and added one assist during Indy’s four-game playoff run.

Coyle is a steady, stay-at-home defenseman who doesn’t light up the scoresheet but brings positional discipline and shot-blocking ability. His previous experience includes two full seasons with Greenville and a collegiate career at Bowling Green, where he served as an alternate captain.

Player Note: Nathan Burke – Forward (Signed Overseas)

Nathan Burke was one of Indy’s top scorers in 2024–25, putting up 22 goals and 17 assists for 39 points in 64 games. A physical, north-south forward with a scoring touch, Burke has made steady contributions over the past two ECHL seasons—previously with Utah and briefly with Ontario (AHL).

He has since signed with Pioneers Vorarlberg of the ICEHL for the 2025–26 season. By tendering a qualifying offer, the Fuel retains its ECHL rights should it return to North America.

Player Note: Ty Farmer – Defenseman (Signed Overseas)

Ty Farmer played a full 72-game season for the Fuel in 2024–25, contributing seven goals and 20 assists (27 points) along with a +11 rating—his most productive pro season to date. He brought steady, two-way play to the blue line and added mobility and puck-moving ability to Indy’s back end.

Farmer has since signed with the Aalborg Pirates in Denmark for the 2025–26 season. By extending a qualifying offer, the Fuel retains its ECHL rights, leaving the door open for a return should he come back to North America.

Already Back in the Mix: Michael Marchesan

On the day the qualifying offers were made, the Fuel announced the signing of forward Michael Marchesan for the 2025–26 season.

Marchesan made a name for himself while with Atlanta, with his quick release and high work rate. His return gives the Fuel an early boost up front and shows they’re serious about locking in pieces to solidify the upcoming season’s core.

This signing came before qualifying offers were issued, meaning Marchesan didn’t need to be included in that list—his contract was likely already signed, sealed, and now delivered.

July 1 Signing: Jadon Joseph Joined the Mix

Just one week before qualifying offers went public, the Fuel added another name to the roster: Jadon Joseph, a forward with strong two-way instincts and solid upside.

Joseph becomes one to watch in training camp as Indy looks to build speed and structure down the middle.