Nick Welsh
Defence • Manchester Storm (EIHL)
Nick had a very impressive first season in the EIHL with the Storm. Could turn out to be a very shrewd signing for Cardiff.
2026/27 Season Preview
Cardiff Devils
DT Rating
Predicted Finish
Quick Facts
Head Coach
Paul Thompson
Captain
Mark Richardson
Arena
Vindico Arena
2025/26 Finish
2nd
Power Play
19.58%
Penalty Kill
82.24%
DT Ratings
Our editorial assessment of each team's fantasy potential heading into the new EIHL season.
Attack
★★★★★
3.5Defence
★★★★★
4.5Goaltending
★★★★★
4.0Depth
★★★★★
3.5DT Value
★★★★★
4.0Club Overview
Cardiff head into the 2026/27 Elite League season as defending playoffs champions after Paul Thompson guided his Devils to a 5-2 win Sheffield. Retention seems to be one of the Cardiff's priority this summer and, once again, the vast majority of the playoff-winning side returns for another campaign.
On the blue line, Brandon Estes returns after showing himself as one of the league's best offensive defencemen and is expected to play another leading role. He joins the returning; Gleason Fournier, Evan Mosey, Jimmy Oligny, Tyson Helgesen and long serving Brit Mark Richardson.
Josh MacDonald is back to give the Devils primary scoring after scoring 31 goals last year. Similar to the defence, most of Cardiff's 25-26 forward group remains Ryan 'Wheels' Barrow, Joey Martin, Kohen Olischefski, Kristoff Kontos and playoff hero Nolan Yaremko returns along with the Britpack of Ben Davies, Sam Duggan and Bayley Harewood.
Between the pipes, long term Brit stalwart Ben Bowns and the impressive Christian Stoever returns for his 2nd season.
For new faces, Nick Welsh joins from Manchester after an impressive first season in the EIHL. The Devils have added Devils culthero Vezio Sacratini's son Jake joining for his first year pro. Thomas Caron and Panu Mieho both join direct from the Finnish Liiga. We think the Devils have 2 spots to fill and fans will be hoping for additional primary scoring.
There have been notable departures, with brit Brett Perlini while there has been no announcements on fan favourites Riley Brandt and primary goal scorer Cole Sanford.
Summer Arrivals
Thomas Caron
Forward • HPK (Liiga)
The 25-year-old Canadian combines size with excellent skating and will be expected to contribute more offensively after arriving from HPK in Finland.
Panu Mieho
Forward • HIFK (Liiga)
Liiga veteran, Mieho adds speed, work rate and top-level European experience to the Devils' forward group.
Jake Sacratini
Forward • SUNY-Plattsburgh (NCAA III)
Jake returns home after leading SUNY Plattsburgh in scoring, adding youth, energy and valuable British depth to the Devils' forward group.
Summer Departures
Steven MacLean
Defence • Unknown
Huge imposing d-man, made 17 appearances and provided Devils with some injury cover mid season.
Brett Perlini
Forward • Unknown
'Perlz' will be tough to replace as he can provide secondary scoring and helps towards the British contingent.
Projected Line-up
Here's how we have the Devils lining up this season. We think Thommo might make changes to last season to have last season's lineups as a fallback.
First Line: Josh MacDonald, Joey Martin and Kohen Olischefski
Second Line: Thomas Caron, Panu Mieho and Ryan Barrow
Third Line: Sam Duggan, Nolan Yaremko and Evan Mosey
Fourth Line: Bayley Harewood, Ben Davies, Jake Sacratini
First Pairing: Jimmy Oligny and Brandon Estes
Second Pairing: Gleason Fournier and Nick Welsh
Third Pairing: Tyson Helgesen and Mark Richardson
Netminders: Ben Bowns and Christian Stoever
Players To Watch
DT Star
Josh MacDonald
High scoring winger will provide Dream Team players with 'guaranteed' Dream Team points.
Sleeper Pick
Nolan Yaremko
Hopefully an injury free season for Yaremko will be like a new signing for the Devils. Showed what he can do in the Playoffs last April.
Breakout Candidate
Thomas Caron
Arrives from Finland's Liiga looking for a bigger offensive role, with his combination of size, skating and finishing making him an intriguing addition to Cardiff's attack.
Top Defenceman
Gleason Fournier
The smooth skating Fournier looked like the one of old last season. His offense and skating ability along with Estes gives the Devils a one-two punch from the blue.
Starting Netminder
Christian Stoever
Stoever will look to build on the back end of his season, he won games with huge performances and ended with a playoff title.
Fantasy Outlook
DT Verdict
Cardiff
Season Prediction
Season Prediction
4th
Best Case
Challenge for the Elite League title and be in the hunt for every trophy.
Worst Case
A 4th-6th finish before falling short in the playoff race.
Confidence
Medium-High
Cardiff will be the benchmark of retention > recruitment equation.
Editors Note
This preview reflects confirmed signings and departures at the time of publication. Projected line combinations will be updated during pre-season as Cardiff's roster becomes clearer.