A busy off‑season for the Railers
The Worcester Railers announced a flurry of contract extensions this week, confirming that forwards Lincoln Hatten and Declan McDonnell, together with defensemen Michael Suda, Connor Federkow and Gabe Blanchard, will all return for the 2026‑27 season.
Hatten, a 26‑year‑old native of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, capped his third professional season with career‑high numbers, recording 13 goals and adding 25 points in the 2025‑26 campaign.
McDonnell, also 24 and a Buffalo, New York native, earned his first full professional contract after being selected 217th overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft.
Suda, 24 and also from Buffalo, New York, led the team's blue‑line in scoring with 39 points (5 goals, 34 assists) and will be entering his first full season with Worcester after a strong showing.
Federkow and Blanchard, both Buffalo natives, round out the defensive group, each signing for their inaugural full professional campaigns with the club.
The moves signal the Railers' intent to build on recent success and maintain chemistry as they aim for a deep playoff run next year.