By: Ryan Finch | Follow me on Twitter/X @RyanFinch0815
The Maine Mariners are entering the 2026 offseason coming off the most successful campaign in franchise history, setting the stage for one of the most important roster decisions in recent memory.
By 3 p.m. ET on June 8, ECHL teams must submit their protected player lists, formally determining which members of last season’s roster will remain under team control heading into the 2026–27 season. For head coach and general manager Rick Kowalsky, the process is expected to be particularly challenging given the level of success and depth the Mariners established throughout the year.
The 2025–26 campaign set new benchmarks across the board for the Mariners. The club not only reached its most successful playoff run in franchise history but also posted its longest winning streak and highest regular-season point total since joining the ECHL.
Much of that success was driven by a well-balanced roster that combined veteran leadership, emerging young talent, and key midseason contributions. As a result, the upcoming protected list decisions will likely reflect both performance and long-term organizational planning.
Under ECHL rules, teams may protect an unlimited number of players, provided those players meet at least one eligibility requirement. These include players who signed an ECHL Standard Player Contract and remained with the team, were recalled to the AHL, NHL, or IIHF without being traded or released, received qualifying offers, or earned higher-level contracts after beginning the season in the ECHL, among other criteria.
While the rules provide flexibility, they also force teams to make strategic decisions about depth, development, and roster continuity.
Based on performance and organizational importance, the following players are strong candidates to be protected heading into the offseason.
Goaltenders
- Luke Cavallin
- Brad Arvanitis
Forwards
- William Deveaux
- Robert Cronin
- Jacob Hudson
- Brooklyn Kalmikov
- Ben Allison
- Antonio Venuto
- Shawn Element
- Xander Lampaa
- Jacob Perreault
- Max Andreev
- Zach Jordan
- Ryan McGuire
Defensemen
- Zachary Massicotte
- Michael Underwood
- Dylan MacKinnon
- Jaxon Bellamy
- Loke Johansson
This group represents the backbone of the Mariners’ success this past season. From consistent offensive production to defensive stability and timely goaltending, these players helped define the team’s identity throughout its record-setting run.
At the center of the Mariners’ breakthrough season was a group that consistently delivered in key moments. Whether driving offense, stabilizing defensive matchups, or contributing in special-teams situations, this core group played a significant role in pushing the franchise to new heights.
Their contributions extended beyond individual statistics. The Mariners’ longest winning streak in franchise history and their highest-ever point total were both products of sustained team performance, structure, and depth throughout the lineup.
Dylan MacKinnon, who played in five games for the Mariners last season, has already been signed to an AHL two-way contract with the Providence Bruins.
Beyond the projected protected list, several players enter the offseason in “bubble” territory—valued contributors who could realistically return but are not guaranteed protection.
Defensemen
- Andrew Nielson
- Owen Gallatin
- Nick Anderson
Forwards
- Ty Cheveldayoff
- Sebastian Vidmar
- Linus Hemstrom
- Jackson Stewart
- Mason Primeau
Goaltender
- Bill Girard
This group presents some of the toughest decisions for the Mariners’ front office. In many cases, these players filled important depth roles or provided flexibility throughout the season. However, with roster spots effectively at a premium despite the “unlimited protection” rule, organizational direction and contract structure will ultimately determine their futures.
For Kowalsky and the Mariners’ staff, this offseason represents a balancing act between rewarding a historic season and preparing for sustained success. Maintaining continuity will be important, but so too will be creating room for growth, competition, and potential new additions.
With expectations now elevated following a franchise-best year, the decisions made over the coming days will help shape not only next season’s roster but also the long-term identity of the organization. By June 8, the next chapter for the Mariners will begin to take form.
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