Earlier this week, the Orlando Solar Bears announced their protected list for the 2024-2025 season, which consists of 24 players from last season; it includes 15 forwards, seven defensemen, and two goaltenders. The following list does not include the players on AHL/NHL contracts. Per the ECHL Website:
Teams are allowed to protect as many players as they wish provided the players protected meet the guidelines as defined in the CBA between the ECHL and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association which state that teams shall retain the rights to each players that:
- Signed an SPC(Standard Player Contract) in 2023-2024 with the member, and has not been traded or released, OR
- Signed an SPC in 2023-24, and was recalled to the NHL/AHL or IIHF team, and has not been traded or released, OR
- Had received a Qualifying Offer last summer for the current Season, DID NOT sign an SPC, and has not been traded or released, OR
- Has been suspended by the Member or League, and has not been traded or released, OR
- Signed an SPC on or after the first day of the 2023-24 Regular Season, then subsequently signed an NHL/AHL contract, and has not been traded or released, OR
- Has executed the ECHL Retirement Form, and has not been traded or released.
The 15 forwards consist of Darik Angeli, Kelly Bent, Tyler Bird, Luke Boka, Joe Carroll, Alexandre Fortin, Alex Frye, Jesse Jacques, Spencer Kersten, Brayden Low, Aaron Luchuk, Ryan Mahshie, Patrick Newell, Tanner Schachle, TJ Walsh.
The defensemen consist of Max Balinson, Ben Carroll, Kurt Gosselin, Chris Harpur, Jimmy Mazza, Michael Renwick, and Avery Winslow. The two goalies are Francis Boisvert and Brandon Halverson.
The veterans going into the upcoming season are Darik Angeli, Tyler Bird, Alexandre Fortin, Brayden Low, and Aaron Luchuk. The rookies are Spencer Kersten, Ryan Mahshie, TJ Walsh and Francis Boisvert.
Two of the most noticeable defensemen are Max Balinson and Michael Renwick. Balinson and Renwick were both offered qualifying offers prior to last season. Balinson last played in the ECHL with three teams in the 22-23 season, he will play his second year in Germany this upcoming season. Renwick played three games with the Bears back in the 22-23 season and last year played at Queens University in Canada.
Players not protected that had a good year include players who have AHL/NHL contracts. Those players include goaltender Evan Fitzpatrick who is yet to be signed for next season. It also includes Mitchell Hoelscher, Kevin Lombardi, Zachary Massicotte for the AHL. In the NHL, we have Jeremie Biakabutuka, Jaydon Dureau and Marc-Andre Gaudet.
Next up in the off-season will be Future Considerations Trade Deadline, due by June 20 at 3 pm. Followed by Season Ending Roster due by the 22nd at 3 pm.
