The Norfolk Admirals have announced that they’ve signed forward Kristóf Papp for the 2025-26 season. Papp, 24, made his ECHL debut at the end of last season, signing an ATO with the Iowa Heartlanders. He had two assists in five games during his amateur try-out. The signing of Papp gives the Admirals another option down the middle, as Papp can either play center or on the wing for Norfolk heading into next season. Papp is the 10th forward and 15th player to sign with the Admirals for the 2025-26 season.
He most recently played in seven games at the 2025 World Championships with Hungary, where he had one assist.
Prior to going pro, Kristóf Papp spent five seasons at the NCAA level. He spent his first two years at Michigan State University. In 59 games with the Spartans, he would put up two goals and 14 assists for 16 points before transferring to Northern Michigan University. During his time with the Wildcats, he had 17 goals and 28 assists for 45 points in 72 games. Papp would then transfer schools for the second time, spending his last season of eligibility at Lindenwood University. In 29 games with the Lions, he put up four goals and seven assists for 11 points.
“Papp will supply center depth and is a guy that can play up-and-down our lineup in all situations,” said Jeff Carr, Admirals General Manager & Head Coach. He creates offense coming out of offensive-zone face-offs and will be an added addition around the net, similar to Brady Fleurent.”
Head Coach Jeff Carr on the signing of Kristóf Papp (Via Norfolk Admirals Press Release)
Junior Career
The Hungarian forward spent his junior career in the USHL primarily with the Madison Capitols. In 80 games with the Capitols, he would put up 21 goals and 36 assists for 57 points, as well as serving as the team captain during the 2019-20 season, before being traded to the Des Moines Buccaners. In 23 games with the Buccaneers, he put up six goals and 10 assists for 16 points. Propp has also spent time playing internationally for his home country. During the 2018-19 season, he won a bronze medal at the U20 World Junior Championships (D1B), scoring six goals and adding an assist in seven games, and he also led the tournament in goals. He would be named the Hungarian Junior Player of the Year for the 2018-19 season. Propp has also won two medals at the World Championships (D1A), which included a Silver Medal during the 2021-22 season and a silver medal during the 2023-24 season. In 2023-24, he would be named the Most Skilled Hungarian Player.
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