Protected List Revealed Ahead of 2026‑27 Season
The Idaho Steelheads, under the direction of head coach Everett Sheen, have filed their protected roster for the upcoming 2026‑27 campaign. The list comprises 14 forwards, eight defensemen and two goaltenders, a composition that reflects the team’s intent to safeguard its core talent.
Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement reached between the ECHL and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association, clubs may protect as many skaters as they wish, provided they adhere to the agreement’s specific criteria. This framework allows the Steelheads to exceed the typical 20‑player ceiling if the protected selections meet the stipulated conditions.
The league has also set firm deadlines for administrative tasks. All Future Consideration trades must be finalized by 3 p.m. Eastern Time on June 20, and each franchise must submit its season‑ending roster by 3 p.m. Eastern Time two days later, on June 22.
Roster Implications
Season‑ending rosters are limited to a maximum of 20 players, but the list cannot contain any athlete who failed to sign an ECHL contract during the 2025‑26 season. This rule ensures that only those who have demonstrated professional readiness remain eligible for the final roster.
The announcements come as the Steelheads prepare for a competitive stretch, with fans eager to see how the protected players will shape the team’s chemistry. Coach Sheen emphasized that the selected group reflects both performance and future potential, setting the stage for a promising campaign.