Guildford Flames

Guildford finished 5th in the Elite League last season before a quarterfinal playoff exit, and head coach Paul Dixon returns to build on that with a squad that's stayed remarkably settled through the summer.

Captain Matt Alvaro is back, and the club has extended a long list from last season's roster: Tyler Busch, Mathieu Gosselin, Jack Jacome, Jonathan Racine, Samuel Talbot, Joshua Waller, Travis Brown, Justin Fazio and Adam Long all return.

The standout addition is defenceman Karl Boudrias, who arrives directly from champions Belfast Giants — a real statement signing for a club aiming to close the gap on the league's top sides.

Elsewhere, Brett Neumann joins from Glasgow Clan, Cole Sanford arrives from Cardiff Devils, and Chase Gresock adds further forward depth after a season in France. On the blue line, Nate Kallen and Jake Willets bring fresh options to complement the returning group.

In goal, Brad Arvanitis joins from Maine Mariners to share duties with returning veterans Justin Fazio and Adam Long.

The only outgoing piece of note is goaltender Jake Kupsky, who left for Belfast Giants back in February — in effect the reverse of the Boudrias deal months later.

With continuity up and down the lineup and a genuine upgrade on the blue line, Guildford look like one of the more settled sides heading into the new season.

A settled returning core makes these combinations more predictable than most, though pre-season will still shape the final look of the lines.

First Line: Matt Alvaro, Mathieu Gosselin and Cole Sanford

Second Line: Tyler Busch, Brett Neumann and Chase Gresock

Third Line: Jack Jacome, Samuel Talbot and Joshua Waller

First Pairing: Karl Boudrias & Jonathan Racine

Second Pairing: Travis Brown & Nate Kallen

Third Pairing: Jake Willets

Netminders: Justin Fazio, Brad Arvanitis, Adam Long