ECHL: Greensboro Gargoyles Adjust to a Changing Lineup

The Greensboro Gargoyles recently announced the trade of Caleb Price to the Idaho Steelheads. In addition to the trade, the Gargoyles released Jaxson Murray. The Chicago Wolves also recalled goaltender Yegor Velmakin and David Gagnon, while Greensboro loaned defenseman Braden Doyle to Chicago. These moves leave the Gargoyles without five players from their roster.

Trades and Releases

Greensboro traded Caleb Price to the Idaho Steelheads in exchange for future considerations. Price began his collegiate career at Lindenwood University at the ACHA level, spending three seasons there before joining Mercyhurst University for two seasons. He made his professional debut with the Norfolk Admirals last season, appearing in 10 games and recording one goal and four assists. After his time in Norfolk, Price joined Greensboro for 10 games and added one assist.

Jaxson Murray made his ECHL debut last season with the Cincinnati Cyclones, recording three goals and three assists for six points in 17 games. Before turning professional, he spent two seasons at the University of Waterloo in Canada’s U Sports system. Murray joined the Gargoyles this season and recorded one assist in four appearances.

Heading to Chicago

The Chicago Wolves dealt the Gargoyles several significant blows as they recalled players to fill openings in their lineup. Yegor Velmakin has delivered strong performances this season, posting a .932 save percentage and a 2.14 goals-against average in six starts. David Gagnon recently arrived in Greensboro but quickly made an impact, scoring two goals in three games. Braden Doyle has appeared in 10 games for the Gargoyles this season, recording two goals and three assists for five points. All three players will join the Wolves for an undetermined amount of time.

Impact

Velmakin headlines the departures, and the Gargoyles will miss his presence in net. However, Ruslan Khazheyev is more than capable of holding down the fort until Velmakin returns. I expect the Hurricanes’ return from their Global Series and Cayden Primeau’s return to Chicago to open the door for Velmakin to rejoin Greensboro.

In the meantime, Tyler Brennan will likely make his first appearance as a Gargoyle. Brennan provides Greensboro with a capable backup and could see action on Sunday evening. This marks Brennan’s fourth professional season and his first outside of Adirondack.

The timelines for Doyle and Gagnon are harder to predict. Both players spent significant time with the Wolves last season, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see that happen again this year. The Gargoyles have enough forward depth to manage the departures, but Gagnon provides a scoring threat that Greensboro lacks elsewhere in its lineup. His departure could have the greatest impact on the team’s offense.

Expect Gleb Trikozov to return to the lineup as he looks to generate more offensive production this season. Greensboro should have an easier time filling Doyle’s spot on defense, not because of his performance, but because several defensemen have earned opportunities for additional ice time. Oskars Briedis could see more consistent appearances after rotating in and out of the lineup recently.