ECHL: 2025-26 Qualifying Offers | Orlando Solar Bears

The Orlando Solar Bears have officially announced their qualifying offers ahead of the July 7 deadline. They are extending offers to eight players whose rights they aim to retain for the 2025–26 season.

Qualifying Offers Breakdown

• Forwards: Jack Adams, Anthony Bardaro, Tyler Drevitch, Spencer Kersten
• Defensemen: Nick Anderson, Logan Britt, Tony Follmer
• Goaltender: Jon Gillies

What Fans Should Know About Qualifying Offers

Each ECHL team can keep the rights to up to eight players from last season by sending them a qualifying offer—basically, a way to say, “we want you back.”

Of those eight, only four can be veterans, which means players who’ve already played 260 or more pro games before the 2025–26 season.

Here’s how the rights work depending on the player:

Veterans or experienced goalies (those who’ve played more than 180 regular-season games)
Their team holds their rights only until July 22. If they haven’t signed by then, they’re free to talk to other ECHL teams—but they’re still considered restricted free agents.

Everyone else on a qualifying offer

If a player doesn’t sign with any ECHL team by August 8, they officially become an unrestricted free agent—free to sign anywhere.

If a player has already signed a contract for next season, they don’t need a qualifying offer—they’re locked in. Also, once a player has a qualifying offer, they can’t be traded unless they first sign a contract.

Spotlight: Jack Adams

Jack Adams made a substantial impact in his first season with Orlando, notching 15 goals and 29 assists for 44 points over 61 games during the 2024–25 regular season. He added another six points (1G, 5A) in 11 playoff games.

Spotlight: Anthony Bardaro

Veteran forward Anthony Bardaro recorded 17 goals and 24 assists for 41 points in 67 games, plus eight points (5G, 3A) in 12 playoff appearances. His prior European experience brings additional versatility and maturity to the Solar Bears’ lineup.

Spotlight: Tyler Drevitch

Drevitch appeared in 25 games for Atlanta, tallying three goals, two assists, and 35 PIM. A hard-nosed forward with over 200 ECHL games under his belt, he’s known for his edge and intensity.

Spotlight: Spencer Kersten

Kersten had a breakout year, scoring 25 goals and 30 assists for 55 points in 60 games, including six goals in the playoffs. He also made AHL appearances with Syracuse and Belleville, continuing his upward trajectory.

Spotlight: Nick Anderson

Nick Anderson joined the Solar Bears late in the 2024–25 season after finishing his NCAA career at UMass-Lowell, where he posted two goals and 12 assists for 14 points in 35 games. He skated in one game with Orlando after college. Anderson is a poised two-way defenseman with strong puck movement and is looking to make his full-time pro debut this fall.

Spotlight: Logan Britt

Logan Britt brings size and a solid defensive presence to the blue line. During the 2024-25 season, he played in 49 regular-season games for the Reading Royals, recording three goals and nine assists, and participating in four playoff games. In the previous season, Britt transitioned from college hockey at the University of North Dakota to brief stints in the ECHL with Greenville. His mobility and potential make him a player to watch on the Solar Bears’ defense.

Spotlight: Tony Follmer

Tony Follmer wrapped up his collegiate career at Bemidji State University before joining the Solar Bears for a late-season stint in 2024–25. He appeared in four games with Orlando and registered two penalty minutes. During his senior year at Bemidji, Follmer notched two goals and five assists for seven points in 38 games.

Spotlight: Jon Gillies

Veteran netminder Jon Gillies provided stability in net for Orlando after joining from Cincinnati during the 2024–25 season. In seven regular season games with the Solar Bears, Gillies posted a 2.49 goals-against average (GAA) and a .922 save percentage (SV%), along with one shutout and a 4–3–0 record. He followed that with nine playoff appearances, where he carried a 3.16 GAA, .902 SV%, and helped backstop the team to a 4–3–2 postseason record.

Gillies brings valuable NHL and AHL experience to the crease, with previous stops in Columbus, New Jersey, St. Louis, and Tucson.

What’s Next

With qualifying offers sent, the Solar Bears retain the rights to these players as negotiations continue. Whether these players return, sign elsewhere, or become unrestricted free agents after August 8, this list gives fans a preview of who could potentially be back this fall.