Swamp Rabbits add Zinger
GREENVILLE, S.C. – The Greenville Swamp Rabbits, ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Los Angeles Kings and American Hockey League’s Ontario Reign, announced that the team has signed rookie defenseman Josh Zinger for the 2026-27 season. Zinger joins the Swamp Rabbits for his first full professional season following his pro debut at the end of last year. The 25-year-old made his professional debut on March 14 against Tulsa, and finished his first stint in the ECHL with 11 games. Zinger turned pro following his fourth and final NCAA season, and second with St. Cloud State University. As a member of … Continue reading
Bednard joins Solar Bears
ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Solar Bears, ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Tampa Bay Lightning, announced the club has agreed to terms with goaltender Ryan Bednard on a contract for the 2026-27 season. Bednard joins the Solar Bears after spending the 2025-26 season with Düsseldorfer EG of Germany’s second professional league (DEL2). Prior to that, the Macomb, Michigan native helped the Nottingham Panthers capture both the Elite Ice Hockey championship and IIHF Continental Cup during the 2024-25 campaign. The 29-year-old brings seven seasons of professional experience to Orlando, playing in games across the American Hockey League, ECHL, EIHL, and DEL2. Since turning … Continue reading
Tolvanen signs 1-year, $1.5 million contract with Rangers
Eeli Tolvanen signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the New York Rangers on Wednesday. The 27-year-old forward had 36 points (12 goals, 24 assists) in 78 games for the Seattle Kraken last season. Selected by the Nashville Predators in the first round (No. 30) of the 2017 NHL Draft, Tolvanen has 190 points (92 goals, 98 assists) in 423 regular-season games for the Predators and Kraken and nine points (four goals, five assists) in 21 Stanley Cup Playoff games. Tolvanen had three points (one goal, two assists) in five games for Finland at the 2026 Winter Olympics to help them … Continue reading
Thomas named Blues captain, replaces Schenn
Robert Thomas was named captain of the St. Louis Blues on Wednesday. The 27-year-old center replaces Brayden Schenn, who was traded to the New York Islanders on March 6. Thomas has five seasons left on an eight-year, $65 million contract ($8.125 million average annual value) he signed in July 2022. Selected by St. Louis in the first round (No. 20) of the 2017 NHL Draft, Thomas has led the Blues in scoring each of the past three seasons, including 64 points (25 goals, 39 assists) in 64 games last season, and an NHL career-high 86 points (26 goals, 60 assists) in … Continue reading
Gladiators re-sign Burns
Duluth, Ga. – The Atlanta Gladiators, ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Nashville Predators and the American Hockey League’s Milwaukee Admirals, announced that the team has signed forward Mickey Burns for the 2026-27 season. Burns re-signs with the Gladiators for his second full season of professional hockey. The native of Wayne, New Jersey had 14 points (7g-7a) in 66 games with Atlanta last season. His two shorthanded goals were tied for the team lead with Alex Young. Burns made his ECHL debut with the Gladiators towards the end of the 2024-25 campaign, posting three points (1g-2a) in 13 games. … Continue reading
Yavaș agrees to terms with Goatheads
RIO RANCHO, N.M. – The New Mexico Goatheads, ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Colorado Avalanche and American Hockey League’s Colorado Eagles, announced that the team has signed forward German Yavaș to a contract for the 2026-27 season. Yavaș joins New Mexico after splitting the 2025-26 season between the Norfolk Admirals and Tulsa Oilers, appearing in 46 combined games and recording four points (1g-3a) with 65 penalty minutes. The 23-year-old began his professional career with Norfolk in 2024-25, recording nine points (6g-3a) and 68 penalty minutes in 45 games. He also appeared in three games during the 2025 Kelly … Continue reading
