The Premier “AA” Hockey League, the ECHL has a player or coach on each of the 32 teams and has affiliations with 29 of the 32 teams in the NHL, marking the 30th consecutive season that the league has had affiliations with at least 20 teams in the NHL.

There are 58 coaches with an ECHL background working behind the benches of teams in the NHL including Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar, Dallas Stars head coach Glen Gulutzan, Los Angeles Kings head coach Peter Laviolette, San Jose Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky, and Washington Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery, who all previously were ECHL head coaches. In addition, Nashville Predators head coach Andrew Brunette and Vegas Golden Knights head coach Ryan Craig are former ECHL players. It is the 16th consecutive season that there have been 30 or more coaches with an ECHL background working in the NHL. In 2024-25, Carbery became the third former ECHL coach to win the Jack Adams as NHL Coach of the Year, joining Bruce Cassidy (2019-20) and Bruce Boudreau (2007-08). In the 2022-23 season, Cassidy became the third former ECHL head coach to lead his team to a Stanley Cup title, joining Laviolette (Carolina, 2006) and Bednar (Colorado, 2022). In 2021-22, Bednar became the first coach to lead teams to championships in the ECHL (South Carolina, 2009), AHL (Lake Erie, 2016) and NHL (Colorado, 2022).

Former ECHL coaches and players on NHL opening-day rosters

(ECHL affiliate listed in parentheses)

(*) – Injured Reserve/Non-Roster

Anaheim Ducks (Tulsa Oilers) – Video Coach Austin Violette (Maine, 2018-19); Ville Husso (Missouri, 2016-17); Nick Jensen (Toledo, 2013-14) and Jeff Malott (Florida, 2020-21)

Boston Bruins (Maine Mariners) – Assistant Coach Matt McIlvane (Cincinnati, 2011-12 and Orlando, 2012-13); Assistant Coach Steve Spott (Richmond, 1990-91); Goaltending Development Coach Mike Dunham (Gwinnett, 2005-06); Michael DiPietro (Maine, 2022-23) and Tanner Jeannot (Florida, 2019-21)

Buffalo Sabres – Assistant Coach Matt Ellis (Toledo, 2002-03); Assistant Coach Marty Wilford (Columbus, 1998-99); Video Coordinator Amir Gulati (Iowa, 2021-22); Sam Carrick (Idaho, 2012-13); Justin Danforth (Reading, 2016-17 and Cincinnati, 2017-18); Colten Ellis (Worcester, 2021-22, Tulsa, 2022-23 and Orlando, 2023-24); Topias Leinonen * (Jacksonville, 2025-26) and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (Cincinnati, 2019-20)

Calgary Flames (Rapid City Rush) – Assistant Coach Cail MacLean (Jacksonville, 1997-99; Trenton, 1999-02; Reading, 2004-05; South Carolina, 2005-11 and Adirondack, 2015-17); Goaltending Coach Jason LaBarbera (Charlotte, 2000-02); Devin Cooley (Florida, 2020-22); Joel Hanley (Gwinnett, 2014-15); Jacob Middleton (Manchester, 2015-16) and Brayden Pachal (Fort Wayne, 2019-20)

Carolina Hurricanes (Greensboro Gargoyles) – Brandon Bussi (Maine, 2022-23)

Chicago Blackhawks (Indy Fuel) – Assistant Coach Anders Sorensen (Mobile, 1999-00 and Baton Rouge, 1999-00) and Assistant Coach Mike Vellucci (Erie, 1989-90 and Winston-Salem, 1989-90)

Colorado Avalanche (New Mexico Goatheads) – Head Coach Jared Bednar (Huntington, 1993-96 and South Carolina, 1996-09) and Assistant Coach Nolan Pratt (Richmond, 1995-96); Mackenzie Blackwood (Adirondack, 2017-18); Brett Kulak (Colorado, 2014-15); Trent Miner * (Utah, 2021-24) and Scott Wedgewood (Trenton, 2012-13 and Adirondack, 2015-16)

Columbus Blue Jackets (Wheeling Nailers) – Assistant Coach Don Granato (Columbus, 1991-93 and 1997-99 and Peoria, 1999-00); Assistant Coach Trent Vogelhuber (Evansville, 2012-13); Assistant Video Coach Cam Briere (Maine, 2021-25); Riley Bezeau * (Savannah, 2024-25); Jet Greaves (Kalamazoo, 2021-22) and Ryan Lomberg (Adirondack, 2015-16) and Cam Talbot (Greenville, 2010-11)

Dallas Stars (Idaho Steelheads) – Head Coach Glen Gulutzan (Las Vegas, 2003-09); Assistant Coach Neil Graham (South Carolina, 2010-11; Greenville, 2010-11 and Idaho, 2012-19) and Casey DeSmith (Wheeling, 2015-16)

Detroit Red Wings (Toledo Walleye) – Ben Chiarot (Colorado, 2011-12) and Keegan Kolesar (Quad City, 2017-18)

Edmonton Oilers (Fort Wayne Komets) – Goaltending Coach Peter Aubry (Johnstown, 2002-03; Alaska, 2004-05 and Texas, 2007-08) and James Stefan * (Fort Wayne, 2024-26)

Florida Panthers (Savannah Ghost Pirates) – Assistant Coach Jamie Kompon (Hampton Roads, 1989-90; Cincinnati, 1990-91 and Winston-Salem, 1990-91); Goaltending Coach Rob Tallas (Charlotte, 1994-95) and Carter Verhaeghe (Missouri, 2015-17)

Los Angeles Kings (Greenville Swamp Rabbits) – Head Coach Peter Laviolette (Wheeling, 1997-98); Assistant Coach Chris Hajt (Augusta, 2004-05); Assistant Coach Derik Johnson (Missouri, 2014-15 and Reading, 2015-17); Goaltending Coach Mike Buckley (Mississippi, 2002-04 and Gwinnett, 2003-04) and Darcy Kuemper (Ontario, 2011-12 and Orlando, 2012-13)

Minnesota Wild (Jacksonville Icemen) – Assistant Coach Jack Capuano (Tallahassee, 1995-97; Knoxville, 1996-97 and Pee Dee, 1997-2005); Assistant Coach Patrick Dwyer (Gwinnett, 2004-05); Goaltending Coach Frederic Chabot (Winston-Salem, 1991-92); Filip Gustavsson * (Brampton, 2018-19) and David Spacek (Iowa, 2023-24)

Montreal Canadiens (Trois-Rivières Lions) – Assistant Coach Derek Lalonde (Toledo, 2014-16)

Nashville Predators (Atlanta Gladiators) – Head Coach Andrew Brunette (Hampton Roads, 1993-94) and Jack Ahcan (Jacksonville, 2020-21)

New Jersey Devils (Adirondack Thunder) – Assistant Coach A.J. MacLean (Dayton, 2005-06 and Pensacola, 2007-08); Video Coach Ian Greenwald (Utah, 2013-15) and Remi Poirier (Idaho, 2022-23)

New York Islanders (Trenton Ironhawks) – Assistant Coach Bob Boughner (Toledo, 1991-92) and Goaltending Coach Sergei Naumovs (Greensboro, 2000-01)

New York Rangers – Assistant Coach Ty Hennes (Toledo, 2004-05; Bakersfield, 2004-05 and Texas, 2004-05) and Goaltending Coach Jeff Malcolm (Greenville, 2013-17)

Ottawa Senators (Allen Americans) – Goaltending Coach Justin Peters (Florida, 2006-08) and Hayden Hodgson (Florida, 2017-18; Manchester, 2018-19; Wichita, 2019-20; Reading, 2019-20; Wheeling, 2020-21 and Utah, 2020-21)

Philadelphia Flyers (Reading Royals) – Assistant Coach Todd Reirden (Tallahassee, 1994-96; Raleigh, 1994-95 and Jacksonville, 1995-96) and Dan Vladar (Atlanta, 2016-18 and 2019-20)

Pittsburgh Penguins (Florida Everblades) – Assistant Coach Rich Clune (Idaho, 2007-08); Goaltending Coach Andy Chiodo (Wheeling, 2003-06; Elmira, 2009-10 and Bakersfield, 2013-14); Justin Brazeau * (Newfoundland, 2019-20 and Maine, 2021-22); Gabriel D'Aigle * (Wheeling, 2025-26); Sergei Murashov (Wheeling, 2024-25); Tommy Novak (Florida, 2020-21) and Arturs Silovs (Trois-Rivières, 2021-22)

San Jose Sharks (Wichita Thunder) – Head Coach Ryan Warsofsky (South Carolina, 2013-18); Goaltending Coach Thomas Speer (Idaho, 2011-12 and Las Vegas, 2011-12); Kyle Keyser * (Atlanta, 2019-20; Jacksonville, 2020-21; Maine, 2021-24 and Utah, 2025-26); Mason Marchment (Orlando, 2016-17) and Alex Nedeljkovic (Florida, 2014-15 and 2016-17)

Seattle Kraken (Kansas City Mavericks) – Assistant Coach Aaron Schneekloth (South Carolina, 2001-03 and Colorado, 2011-18); Goaltending Coach Colin Zulianello (Mississippi, 2001-02; Augusta, 2002-03; Charlotte, 2002-03; Long Beach, 2003-04; San Diego, 2003-04; Idaho, 2004-05 and Las Vegas, 2004-05); Assistant Coach Pascal Vincent (Knoxville, 1992-93); Joey Daccord (Brampton, 2019-20); Frederick Gaudreau (Cincinnati, 2014-15); Philipp Grubauer (South Carolina, 2011-12 and Reading, 2012-13) and Bobby McMann (Wichita, 2020-21 and Newfoundland, 2021-22)

St. Louis Blues (Worcester Railers) – Assistant Video Coach Ryan Stacey (Newfoundland, 2021-22); Jordan Binnington (Kalamazoo, 2013-14) and Ross Johnston (Missouri, 2015-16)

Tampa Bay Lightning (Orlando Solar Bears) – Charle-Edouard D’Astous (Toledo, 2019-20 and Utah, 2021-22); Yanni Gourde * (San Francisco, 2012-13 and Kalamazoo, 2013-14); Jansen Harkins (Jacksonville, 2017-18) and Scott Sabourin (Manchester, 2015-16)

Toronto Maple Leafs (Cincinnati Cyclones) – Goaltending Coach Curtis Sanford (Peoria, 2000-02); Dakota Joshua * (Tulsa, 2019-20) and Anthony Stolarz (Reading, 2017-18)

Utah Mammoth – Goaltending Coach Corey Schwab (Cincinnati, 1991-92); Sebastian Cossa (Toledo, 2022-23) and MacKenzie Weegar (Cincinnati, 2014-15)

Vancouver Canucks (Kalamazoo Wings) – Assistant Coach Ryan Mougenel (Hampton Roads, 1997-99; Chesapeake, 1997-99; Jackson, 2000-02; Atlantic City, 2002-03; Fresno, 2005-08; Stockton, 2008-09 and Las Vegas, 2009-13) and Kevin Lankinen (Indy, 2018-19)

Vegas Golden Knights (Tahoe Knight Monsters) – Head Coach Ryan Craig (Pensacola, 2003-04); Assistant Coach Mark Letestu (Wheeling, 2007-08); Assistant Coach Dominique Ducharme (Huntington, 1995-96 and Raleigh, 1995-96) and Adin Hill (Rapid City, 2016-17)

Washington Capitals (South Carolina Stingrays) – Head Coach Spencer Carbery (Bakersfield, 2007-08; Stockton, 2007-08; Fresno, 2007-08; South Carolina, 2008-16); Assistant Coach Scott Allen (Carolina, 1988-89; Winston-Salem, 1989-90; Erie, 1989-90; Greensboro, 1989-90; Cincinnati, 1990-91 and Johnstown, 1996-2002); Assistant Coach Patrick Wellar (Peoria, 2004-05; Alaska, 2005-07; Columbia, 2007-08; Reading, 2008-09; South Carolina, 2008-10; Reading, 2012-13; Utah, 2014-15; Alaska, 2015-16; Cincinnati, 2016-17 and Reading, 2017-18); Vincent Desharnais (Wichita, 2019-21); Timothy Liljegren (Newfoundland, 2018-19); Patrick Thomas * (South Carolina, 2025-26) and Logan Thompson (Adirondack, 2018-19 and South Carolina, 2019-20)

Winnipeg Jets (Bloomington Bison) – Assistant Coach Marty Johnston (Florida, 2002-03; Trenton, 2003-04; Long Beach, 2003-04 and Peoria, 2003-04); Assistant Coach Davis Payne (Greensboro, 1992-95; Greenville, 1999-2000; Pee Dee, 2000-03 and Alaska, 2003-07); Goaltending Coach Wade Flaherty (Greensboro, 1989-90); Stuart Skinner (Wichita, 2018-20) and Clay Stevenson (South Carolina, 2022-23)

Former ECHL officials and broadcasters in the NHL

There are 40 former ECHL officials who are scheduled to work as part of the NHL officiating team in 2026-27 with referees Benjamin Betker, Jake Brenk, Riley Brace, Francis Charron, Tom Chmielewski, Mitch Dunning, Trevor Hanson, Beau Halkidis, Jean Hebert, Nick Isaacson, Pierre Lambert, T.J. Luxmore, Peter MacDougall, Morgan MacPhee, Michael Markovic, Liam Maaskant, Wes McCauley, Jon McIsaac, Dan O’Rourke, Brian Pochmara, Kyle Rehman, Austin Rook, Chris Rooney, Carter Sandlak, Graham Skilliter, Furman South and Hayden Verbeek and linesmen Ryan Daisy, Julien Fournier, Brandon Gawryletz, Brandon Grillo, Trent Knorr, Anthony Lapointe, Matt MacPherson, Jesse Marquis, Kilian McNamara, Bevin Mills, CJ Murray, Shawn Oliver and Ben O’Quinn. Hebert, McCauley, Rooney, Knorr and MacPherson were selected to work the 2026 Stanley Cup Final.

Former ECHL broadcasters working in the National Hockey League include John Ahlers of the Anaheim Ducks, Josh Bogorad of the Dallas Stars, Jack Michaels of the Edmonton Oilers, Doug Plagens of the Florida Panthers, Jared Shafran of the Los Angeles Kings, Joe O’Donnell of the Minnesota Wild, Brendan Burke and Alan Fuehring of the New York Islanders, Chris Kerber of the St. Louis Blues, Everett Fitzhugh of the Seattle Kraken, Dave Mishkin of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Mike Folta and Adrian Denny of the Utah Mammoth and Dave Goucher and Dan D’Uva of the Vegas Golden Knights. Former ECHL player Tripp Tracy is an analyst with the Carolina Hurricanes, former ECHL player Jody Shelley is an analyst with the Blue Jackets; former ECHL player Shane Hnidy is an analyst with the Golden Knights and former ECHL player Tyson Nash is an analyst with the Mammoth.

ECHL alumni in the NHL

There have been 782 players who have played in the NHL after playing in the ECHL including 14 who made their debuts in 2025-26. The ECHL has had 590 players reach the NHL since 2002-03 when it changed its focus to become the primary developmental league for the NHL and the AHL. The ECHL had 97 players reach the NHL in its first 10 seasons and 215 in the first 15 years. There have been 526 ECHL players have played their first game in the last 21 seasons for an average of more than 25 per year.

There were two players who played in both the ECHL and NHL in 2025-26: Vyacheslav Buteyets (Tulsa and Anaheim) and Arsenii Sergeev (Rapid City and Calgary).

The ECHL was represented for the 26th year in a row on the Stanley Cup champion in 2026 with seven individuals on the Carolina Hurricanes, including goaltender Brandon Bussi, Vice President Pro Player Personnel Chris Abbott, Head Athletic Trainer Doug Bennett, Assistant Athletic Trainer Koryd Lavimoniere, Head Equipment Manager Jorge Alves, TV/Radio Analyst Tripp Tracy and Editorial Content Producer & Team Reporter Walt Ruff. There were 36 former players and 21 coaches on the 16 teams competing in the National Hockey League’s Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2026, marking the 21st year in a row that there have been at least 30 former ECHL players who have competed in the NHL postseason.

The first ECHL player to play in the NHL was Johnstown Chiefs goaltender Scott Gordon, who played his first game with the Quebec Nordiques against Buffalo on Jan. 30, 1990. The 100th player honor is shared by Jean-Sebastien Aubin and Manny Legace, who both made their debut on Oct. 21, 1998 with the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Los Angeles Kings, respectively. The 200th player was Brett McLean with the Chicago Blackhawks on Dec. 10, 2002 while the 300th was David Liffiton with the New York Rangers on April 11, 2006. The 400th was Phil Oreskovic on March 9, 2009 with the Toronto Maple Leafs while the 500th player honor is shared by Anthony Peluso and Darcy Kuemper, who both made their debut on Feb. 12, 2013 with the Winnipeg Jets and the Minnesota Wild, respectively. The 600th former ECHL player to reach the NHL was Florida Panthers forward Shane Harper on Oct. 13, 2016 while the 700th former ECHL player to debut in the NHL was New Jersey Devils defenseman Mason Geertsen on Oct. 19, 2021.

About the ECHL

Formed in 1988-89 with five teams in four states, the ECHL has grown into a coast-to-coast league with 30 teams in 23 states and one Canadian province for its 39th season in 2026-27. There have been 782 players who have gone on to play in the National Hockey League after playing in the ECHL, including 14 who made their NHL debuts in the 2025-26 season. The ECHL has affiliations with 29 of the 32 NHL teams in 2026-27, marking the 29th consecutive season that the league has had affiliations with at least 20 teams in the NHL. Further information on the ECHL is available on its website at ECHL.com.