On Wednesday July 1, the Worcester Railers announced their qualifying offers for the upcoming season. Teams are allowed to make a maximum of eight offers, including four veterans who are not currently signed to a contract. The list for the Railers consists of three defensemen and five forwards which takes up all eight spots.
Defensemen: Ivan Chukarov, Anthony Florentino and Jack Stander.
Forwards: Eddie Matsushima, Jordan Samuels-Thomas, Barry Almeida, Kyle Thomas and Shane Walsh.
Not every player on this list will be returning next season. For example, Jordan Samuels Thomas left in February to join the Helibronner Falken of the DEL2 and I doubt he will return next season. Barry Almeida, who was the Railer’s second top scorer, is rumoured to be retiring next season, however, this is not official.
Each qualifying offer is valid until July 16th which is when the player becomes a restricted free agent. If no deal is made by August 1st, the player becomes an unrestricted free agent. Also, note other players are not on this list and did not receive a qualifying offer if they already signed a contract by June 30.
Stay tuned as team signings are starting to roll out as we enter July. Check back for the latest Railers news. The Railers are the ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s New York Islanders and the AHL’s Bridgeport Sound Tigers.