Tanner Edwards, a 26‑year‑old forward who grew up in the Adirondack region, has agreed to a contract that will keep him with the Adirondack Thunder for the 2026‑27 ECHL season. The announcement was made by the team’s management as part of a broader effort to retain local talent and maintain competitive depth.
During the previous campaign he recorded nine points — three goals and six assists — while also contributing 72 penalty minutes in 37 games, a performance that helped the Thunder secure a playoff berth and gave him a reliable role on the second line.
Edwards’ professional journey began with brief stints in the ECHL with the South Carolina Stingrays and the Toledo Walleye before he was traded back to the Thunder, the team where he first developed as a junior. Both of those clubs are ECHL affiliates of the New Jersey Devils, linking Edwards to a broader developmental network.
Prior to turning pro, he completed a collegiate career split between Minnesota State University and the University of Alaska‑Anchorage, where he tallied 16 points in 52 appearances, including eight points in 31 games during his final year at Alaska‑Anchorage.
A Homecoming for a Local Product
Returning to the Adirondacks represents more than just a contractual decision for Edwards; it is a homecoming that ties together his Alaskan roots, his collegiate development, and his professional aspirations. The move also allows him to reconnect with fans who have followed his rise from the youth ranks to the ECHL.
The Thunder’s affiliation with the New Jersey Devils and the Utica Comets in the AHL provides a clear pathway for potential NHL exposure, and Edwards hopes to leverage that connection to earn a future call‑up. His blend of size, physical play, and offensive upside makes him a valuable asset as the team looks to contend for a championship.
With the contract in place, Edwards joins a roster that includes several returning veterans and a handful of promising newcomers. The coaching staff has expressed confidence that his experience and familiarity with the organization will help stabilize the lineup and mentor younger players.