After an unforgettable 2024–25 season, the Toledo Walleye have officially released their Season-Ending Roster. The Walleye put together an impressive 44-17 regular season record and captured the Western Conference Championship, edging out the Kansas City Mavericks—winners of the 2024 Brabham Cup. The team’s deep playoff run came to a close in the Kelly Cup Finals, falling to the Trois-Rivières Lions in Game 5.
Despite several high-profile departures, the turnover is no surprise in the ECHL, which serves as a developmental league feeding higher levels of professional hockey. The offseason roster process is now in full swing, with Toledo revealing its protected list earlier in the week, as teams begin to build toward the 2025–26 campaign.
Season-Ending Roster Rules
Each ECHL team may include up to 20 players on its Season-Ending Roster; however, only those who signed ECHL contracts during the 2024–25 season are eligible to be included. From this list, clubs may then retain the rights to a maximum of eight players by issuing qualifying offers. These offers must be submitted in turn no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on July 7.
Of those eight, only four can be classified as veterans, defined as players who have appeared in 260 or more professional regular-season games as of the start of the 2023–24 season.
If a veteran is extended a qualifying offer, the team holds exclusive rights to that player until July 22. Should no contract be signed by then, the player becomes a restricted free agent and may negotiate with other ECHL teams. However, the original team has seven days to match any offer sheet. If the player remains unsigned by August 8 at 11:59 p.m. ET, they become an unrestricted free agent (ECHL, 2025)
Key Notes:
- Players with open qualifying offers cannot be traded.
- Teams are not required to issue qualifying offers to players who sign contracts before July 7.
- Qualifying offers expire at 11:59 p.m. ET on July 22.
2024–25 Season-Ending Roster
Defensemen
- Jed Pietila
- Bobby Russell
- Tanner Palocsik
- Brendon Michaelian
- Dylan Moulton
- Jalen Smereck
- Colin Swoyer
- Matt Anderson
Forwards
- Nolan Moyle
- Billy Moskal
- Cole Gallant
- Sam Craggs
- Brandon Kruse
- Colby Ambrosio
- Will Hillman
- Mitch Lewandowski
- Conlan Keenan
- Trenton Bliss
- Darian Pilon
- Dalton Messina
Goalies
- None listed
Notably absent are any goaltenders, adding intrigue to Toledo’s offseason strategy as they look to remain contenders. The Walleye will also need to address the departures of several key contributors like Bednar, Bliss, and Tyler Spezia. Among the more talked-about situations is that of Brandon Hawkins, who was rumored to be exploring overseas opportunities. Hawkins has since commented on the speculation, but his future remains a storyline to watch.
Looking Ahead
With player movement heating up and qualifying offer deadlines looming, the next few weeks will be pivotal. Toledo fans can expect an active offseason as the team retools for another run at the Kelly Cup.
The Walleye open their 2025–26 season on Saturday, October 18, on the road against the Indy Fuel. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. EDT.
Stay tuned—Inside the Rink will be tracking every move in the Pond.
Sources:
ECHL. (2025, June 22). ECHL Announces Season-Ending Rosters
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