Coventry Blaze

The returning core

Coventry's recruitment has been measured rather than spectacular, but it reflects a club with a clear identity. By retaining the core of last season's side and adding experienced, hard-working imports, the Blaze look well equipped to challenge for another playoff place and could push higher if their new arrivals provide the additional scoring punch they're looking for.

The Blaze blue line looks stronger and more balanced than it did a year ago. Connor Russell provides a dependable two-way presence, Nick Grima adds size and mobility after two productive seasons in the ECHL, while David Clements continues to offer valuable leadership and consistency. Carson Musser joins after 4 years in the ECHL where he got 88 points in 224 games. Márkó Csollák makes the move from Hungary for his first foray to the UK and is a huge imposing 6'4" defenceman. It may not be the league's flashiest defence, but it has the depth and experience to become one of Coventry's biggest strengths.

Up front, Coventry look deeper than they did a year ago. Grant Mismash returns after establishing himself as one of the Elite League's most dangerous forwards, while Matthew Gleason's impressive rookie campaign suggests there's still more to come. Tanner Kaspick adds experience and versatility through the middle, Griffin Ness brings speed and energy, and the returning Sam Ruffin, Artem Buzoverya, Brynley Capps, Jack Hopkins and Zaine McKenzie ensure the Blaze once again possess a hard-working forward group capable of rolling four lines. Brett Perlini adds further Elite League pedigree after his move from Cardiff Devils, while Colby MacArthur and Ryan Richardson bring additional competition for places following their arrivals from the Kansas City Mavericks and the Greensboro Gargoyles respectively. Jaxson Ezman also joins after his time in Canadian university hockey.

Between the pipes

Between the pipes, Coventry's crease now looks well stacked. Evan Fitzpatrick arrives with top-level experience from the German DEL following his time with the Nürnberg Ice Tigers, while Sisu Heikkeri joins from Finnish side Jokerit — either could realistically stake a claim to be Coventry's number one. Joel Bearman remains as a familiar, British presence between the pipes following Mat Robson's switch to Nottingham.

Departures & outlook

The departures list is longer than the headline loss of Mat Robson suggests. On the blue line, Jordan Power, Jere Vertanen and Archie Hazeldine have all moved on, while Colton Saucerman and Grayson Constable have retired. Up front, Alessio Luciani, Michael Pelech, Kim Tallberg, Mack Stewart and Elijiah Barriga have also departed, and Dershahn Stewart drops down to the NIHL as the crease is rebuilt around Fitzpatrick and Heikkeri.

By retaining a good amount of last season's core and recruiting with continuity in mind, Coventry look well placed to build on the progress they made last year.