By: Ryan Finch | Follow me on Twitter/X @RyanFinch0815
The Maine Mariners took the first major step toward building their 2026-27 roster today by issuing qualifying offers to eight players from last season’s team. The list includes five forwards — Max Andreev, Robert Cronin, Linus Hemstrom, Jacob Hudson, and Xander Lamppa — along with defensemen Michael Underwood and Jaxon Bellamy, and goaltender Brad Arvanitis.
While a qualifying offer does not guarantee that a player will return to Maine next season, it does allow the Mariners to retain that player’s ECHL rights for the 2026-27 campaign. In other words, any player who accepts an ECHL qualifying offer cannot sign with another ECHL club unless the Mariners trade their rights.
Three players who received qualifying offers — Hudson, Lamppa, and Arvanitis — have already signed contracts to continue their careers overseas. However, by extending qualifying offers, the Mariners have ensured that if any of those players return to the ECHL in the future, the organization will retain the exclusive rights to negotiate with them.
The qualifying offer list reflects the Mariners’ desire to retain the rights to several core contributors from last season’s roster. From top-line scorers such as Max Andreev and Robert Cronin to dependable defensemen Michael Underwood and Jaxon Bellamy, the organization has kept the door open for players who played significant roles during one of the most successful seasons in franchise history. For Michael Underwood, this will be his second straight season receiving the qualifying offer.
With qualifying offers now submitted, the Mariners can turn their attention to re-signing players, adding new talent through free agency, and preparing for training camp. The roster that opens the 2026-27 season will likely look different, but today’s moves provide the foundation for the months ahead.
Beyond simply retaining player rights, the qualifying offer list provides a glimpse into the organization’s priorities heading into the offseason. Rather than starting from scratch after one of the most successful seasons in franchise history, the Mariners have chosen to keep the door open for several players who helped establish the team’s identity.
The list includes proven offensive contributors in Max Andreev, Robert Cronin, Jacob Hudson, Xander Lamppa, and Linus Hemstrom, along with dependable defensemen Michael Underwood and Jaxon Bellamy. In goal, Brad Arvanitis earned a qualifying offer after becoming the winningest goaltender in franchise history. Together, the group represents much of the leadership, scoring, defensive stability, and experience that helped fuel Maine’s success.
While there is no guarantee every player will return, the qualifying offers signal that the Mariners value continuity. By retaining the ECHL rights to these players, the organization gives itself the opportunity to bring back familiar faces while continuing to build around the culture and chemistry that made last season’s team so successful.
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