ScoutDeck 2026

The off-season is here and already there have been a flurry of announcements made across the EIHL.

Whilst some clubs are busy recruiting for more than just players, others have begun in earnest to lock up their core players, big names and Brit contingents.

Already, Steelers have made a raft of re-signings, including a productive, experienced forward, Olivier Archambault, to their prospective roster for the upcoming 2026/27 season.

Blaze and Clan have also announced star players to return, Mick Messner who entered the season late and galvanised his team to build for a memorable playoff bid, falling short in the semi-final to the eventual winners, Cardiff Devils.

Where as Grant Mismash, ranked 2nd highest for impact forwards in my very own Player Impact Guide was announced, albeit with some glaring timing and spelling mistakes, a signal of intent for the season ahead.

Adding to a number of early-announced retirements, a trio of Giants players also revealed they were to hang them up after a successful season, for a couple, a hugely successful career.

To add, the Manchester Storm officially announced plans to ‘return home’, potentially bringing in upwards of six thousand seats, which coupled with takeovers, rebuilds and reshuffles, increases the competition, excitement, anticipation and intensity for who can land whom this off-season.

For the past few seasons, I have floated suggestions which for the large part, have landed. Players and goalies such as Reid Duke, Zach O’Brien, Jake Kupsky, Hunter Vorva, Jeremy Masella, Cameron Pound, Callum Booth, to name but a few.

No rumours – pure scouting, hunches and strategic insights. Nothing to throw names out and hope it sticks, just careful, due diligence from pure passion and dedication.

Big on the wish list would have been Canadian forwards Max Newton and Hunter Garlent, however, in their respective DEL2 clubs, they have extended for 2 more seasons there. With the club of the latter hyphenating the season ahead in a press release, signalling that could be subject to other offers.

They would have been the exact calibre needed to add to the top line and create an improved and reliable level of firepower on the top 6 overall, at least for the Cardiff Devils.

The difference for this season, will be to anticipate who would be cut or finally retire and then, where the gaps could be plugged.

There was anticipation of a higher turnover the previous summer, fan base wide, which made for an underwhelming outlook going into pre-season.

After a season that ended with a 2nd place finish and a playoff championship taken, the thoughts immediately fire back to, if there were a few more key improvements, that could have been a better season.

Already, the club have asked for who the fans want to be announced first, posting an outline graphic previously used last season.

This could be a suggestion that the team is already locked up. It might be to get things rolling as the club are awaiting confirmations, even for some players’ respective seasons to come to a close before getting a final word.

Before the initial scouted players will be highlighted, here is my own run down of which players might be staying for the following season at the Cardiff Devils

Defence

Jimmy Oligny

(Announced 06/05/26 during writing)

Some sleuths might have already clocked some celebratory social medial posts, which certainly signalled a continuation of services. There is no secret that the player and his family love it in South Wales, his leadership, pride and passion certainly enamoured the fans, who adored his no fuss, details focused playing style with grit and consistency.

Brandon Estes

His start the season was unlike any other, flying out of the blocks, putting up points left, right and centre. His calm demeanour under pressure, poise with the puck, eye for soft ice and ability to move with the puck was certainly an upgrade.

If he could replicate his even strength play on the power play, he would be a force in this league.

Tyson Helgesen

Knoweldge of what he played through at the end of the season, coupled with his on ice presence and explosive checking, made him an (awarded) unsung hero that was perhaps one of the better pick ups from the previous summer. He gets it, rarely makes mistakes and is reliable.

Forwards

Ryan Barrow

He had the season of his career, despite matching his first with the Devils on points, he finally lifted some silverware, which would have meant the world to him.

It cannot be argued that without his tenacity on the forecheck, his play as a power forward and defensive responsibility, the team might have found itself in a different position this post-season. If he has another left in the tank, he is a must to re-sign.

Kohen Olischefski

The other part of the Denver Pio brotherhood certainly impressed again this season. He improved on his debut as a Devil. something which is rare for imports.

His leadership was noticeable, his drive and relentless work ethic was felt on and off the ice. A ready made captain for the future, who dominated on the dots and provided much needed space for his line mates.

Connor Caponi

He had a bit-part season, in a system that was built for a player like him, with plenty of options to battle against. From Brandt, who was inarguably the most improved throughout the league, to Lacroix who met expectations that were low but never quite took off.

The latter part of the campaign saw his stock rise and his passion was felt throughout the club. A keeper for the depth forwards.

Josh MacDonald

It might have took the top liner a good third of the campaign to re-find his scoring finesse, however he ended up 2nd overall in the regular season for goals, so it is a no brainer to bring him back.

It took the coach just as long to find the right line fits throughout the forwards group, but for a third and perhaps final season, a league title is the focus once again, this time, with proven pilots at the helm.

Riley Brandt

A player that was never appreciated league-wide, announced himself as one of the best puck carriers, transition players and snipers in the previous season.

Without his scoring, this team would not have finished 2nd, let alone lifted a cup. That on ice presence for physicality and puck poaching, earned Brandt more accolades and finally, respect on his name.

Kristoff Kontos

Back to back playoff winner, team leader in points and improved on a successive season, at a different team. One of the biggest surprises this season, for sure.

His stock was hit immediately with an underwhelming response, being a late announcement before the season got underway, but the ingredients were there.

He slowly and quietly went about his business. Unorthodox, seemingly random, extremely hard to read. Then it clicked. So did the team. He improved Sanford, helping him hit 20 goals for the regular season. No Kontos, no party.

Nolan Yaremko

He was billed to be the ideal image of what being a Cardiff Devil is all about, however, he had a horrendous season with injuries.

When he returned to play properly, his presence added venom to the second line, chipping in with points and providing that final balance. He gave just a snippet of what he can do ultimately, so a second attempt is completely worth it.

Goalies

There are a lot of question marks on the make up of the goal tending for the upcoming season, especially since Bowns took an injury that saw rookie goalie, Stoever steal his net and left him on the bench for playoffs.

It is his testimonial this summer, currently he is with team GB for his final outing as an international. The expectation is for him to finish playing after his truly well deserved send off on home ice this June.

As for Stoever, his season earned him the prime candidate for pick up of the year, being the only back up, especially amongst rookies to earn as many wins, shutouts and a trophy.

Despite some really good competition out there, he forged his own path, with many clubs across the hockey world eyeing him up.

For me, he is the biggest unknown, as he could easily land anywhere. If he were to stay, then he would want that number one spot.

Brits

This offseason will be a competitive change of the British rearguard across the league.

From Giants to Stars, Storm to Clan and all the rest, there have already been some announcements which have settled some factors.

However, as the Devils’ own contingent has approached the latter stage of playing careers and the next youngest, such as Duggan, posting declines in productivity, even being a presence in the looker room should come under scrutiny.

There are a good selection of Brits who should be considered here, such as Joe Hazledine, Logan Neilson, Reece Kelly and even Lucas Brine.

This should be the group, along with Mark Richardson, who could play as a depth blue liner, adding to his role, experience and veteran presence to more than just the ice, bench and locker room.

This season might see a different tactical approach to how Brits would be utilised, the aforementioned should be the go-too upgrades to help see this team lift an EIHL league title for the first time in almost a decade.

New Faces

With the group assembled already, there is a very strong possibility that there would be movements, some might catch a few fans by surprise. After all, a players/individuals’ choice is only for them and them alone, no one has an entitlement to anyone.

The group mentioned above provides flexibility to build a core and then add the improved pieces around. There might be some really big names omitted. This was purposeful.

If for example, Joey Martin retires, there are indeed large skates to fill and a void so large, it would be impossible to find a direct replacement.

He might after all, go for one more, to finally secure another EIHL crown before calling it a day. If that would be the case, then I would see him as 3rd line centre, propping up the middle deck, at least.

This article is to focus beyond that and to provide insights into which players could one day be at Cardiff Devils or even play in this league.

Either way, here is an insight into some players who would make fantastic additions to this championship-seeking club for the 2026/27 EIHL season.

As previously curated before, this is a free downloadable.

If this body of work impresses GM’s/coaches in the EIHL, please reach out via X – more than happy to collaborate/work with any EIHL club.