On Thursday July 1st, the ECHL released a list of qualifying offers made to players ahead of the 2020/21 season. Teams were allowed to make up to eight offers, limited to four veterans, to players who are not yet under contract for next season.
The Gladiators made a total of three offers to forwards Nick Bligh and Eric Neiley, and to defensemen Zach Malatesta. The offers are valid until July 16th at which point, the players become restricted free agents if they have not agreed a contract. If a deal is still not reached by August 1st, the player becomes an unrestricted free agent.
Last season’s top point scorer, Eric Neiley, has already agreed a sign with European team Gyergyói HK of the Erste Liga, so the qualifying offer is more of a formality at this stage. While it seems Neiley will be skating overseas, the Glads are ensuring that if he stays in North America, he will be representing them in the ECHL.
The Gladiators will be determined to retain the services of veteran forward Nick Bligh before other teams try to lure him away from the Infinite Energy Arena. The plucky forward only managed 15 points in 30 games for Atlanta last season, but assuming he can stay healthy, Bligh is capable of being closer to a point-per-game skater.
Defenseman Zach Malatesta is one of Atlanta’s most important players. With Joel Messner primed to spend most of next season in the AHL with the Providence Bruins, Malatesta remains one of Atlanta’s senior blue-liners. The hard-hitting defensemen is primed to play top minutes for the Glads if he stays for 2020/21.