And so, the mad dash begins. Brendan Connolly has already agreed to terms with the Jackals to return this winter. As many as six others could follow suit by the end of next week.
Elmira Jackals Head Coach Steve Martinson has until July 1st to declare his eight "protected" players, meaning the Jackals would retain the ECHL rights to each. However, any player who re-signs before that date does not have to be on the list, giving Martinson roughly two weeks to collect as many signed contracts as he can.
Among the players he expects to return are forward Chris Korchinski and defensemen Travis Gawryletz, Guillaume LePine, Wes Cunningham, and Craig Switzer.
He also mentioned that Paul McIlveen, Brandon Roach, and Colton Yellow Horn would be among those protected, if he can't come to terms with any of them before July 1st. Martinson has also been in contact with Mike Sgroi about returning.
As for players who definitely will NOT be returning, Martinson said Steve Yetman will likely play in Europe, and Kaleb Betts will not be back. Pierre-Luc Faubert has already signed with a team in Ireland.
To hear more from Martinson, check out the video link from Wednesday's 18 Sports at 11pm.
