The Board of Governors, in conjunction with the Professional Hockey Players’ Association, approved changes to the Player Reserve System for inactive member teams for the 2021-22 season.
Any player who had originally signed with one of the 12 teams not participating in the 2020-21 season, and went on to sign with one of the 2020-21 active teams, shall have his player rights revert to the original member team’s Protected List. Any player who was issued a qualifying offer by a member that elected Pandemic Voluntary Suspension, but never signed the qualifying offer, shall be declared a free agent for the 2021-22 season.
Additionally, the ECHL has announced that the 2021-22 season will open on Friday, October 22, 2021, and run through Sunday, April 17, 2022.
Adirondack Thunder
Allen Americans
Atlanta Gladiators
Bloomington Bison
Cincinnati Cyclones
Florida Everblades
Fort Wayne Komets
Greenville Swamp Rabbits
Idaho Steelheads
Indy Fuel
Iowa Heartlanders
Jacksonville Icemen
Kalamazoo Wings
Kansas City Mavericks
Maine Mariners
Norfolk Admirals
Orlando Solar Bears
Rapid City Rush
Reading Royals
Savannah Ghost Pirates
South Carolina Stingrays
Tahoe Knight Monsters
Toledo Walleye
Trois-Rivières Lions
Tulsa Oilers
Utah Grizzlies
Wheeling Nailers
Wichita Thunder
Worcester Railers