Offseason Central

Although it's only five months long, the hockey offseason is one of the busiest times of the year, and it's hard to keep track of where everyone's favorite player has signed. We're going to take as much confusion and searching out of the game for you as possible, and make Offseason Central your one-stop shop for player movement this summer.

The first thing to cover is significant dates, so get your calendars out.
 
Protected List: Due June 8th at 3:00 p.m.
Only ECHL contracts can be on this list. There is no limit to how many players can be listed, and even players who were suspended or extended a qualifying offer last summer may be included.

Future Considerations Trade Deadline: June 20th at 3:00 p.m.
Trades that have future considerations components must be completed by this date.

Season-Ending Roster: Due June 22nd at 3:00 p.m.
Maximum 20 players. Only ECHL contracts can be on this list. If a team names a player to its season-ending roster, that team has exclusive rights to negotiate with and sign that player until qualifying offers are due.

FIRST DAY TO SIGN CONTRACTS: June 23rd
Get excited! This is when pen can start getting put to paper, and you begin to find out who will be taking the ice for the upcoming season!

Qualifying Offers Due: July 7th at 11:59 p.m.
Maximum 8 players. If a team hasn't signed a player prior to this date, they may extend that player a qualifying offer. That offer ensures that the player's ECHL rights stay with that team for a full season. The exception to that rule is veterans (260 pro games or more), who can become a restricted free agent on August 8th, if they have not signed or accepted the offer.

Below, you will see various lists of players who played with the Nailers in 2023-24, or had their ECHL rights with Wheeling in 2023-24, and what their statuses are for the 2024-25 season.

ECHL Contracts

AHL Contracts

NHL Contracts