The Bakersfield Condors, AHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers, announced that they have signed four players to one-year, two-way American Hockey League (AHL) contracts for the 2025-26 season. Joining the team are forwards Matt Brown and Trevor Janicke along with d-men Mats Lindgren and Luke Prokop.

Of these four players, Prokop is probably the most notable.

The 23 year old played 31 games in the AHL last season with Milwaukee and had four points (1G-3A). His junior career included 251 games played over three stops in Calgary, Edmonton, and Seattle. He helped both the Oil Kings (2021-22) and the Thunderbirds (22-23) to Western Hockey League titles and appearances in the Memorial Cup. The Edmonton native was taken in the third round (#73 overall) of the 2020 NHL Draft by Nashville.

You may recall that Prokop became the first openly gay player in the NHL when he came out in 2021. While he technically hasn’t played an NHL game, he was under NHL contract with the Nashville Predators when he made his announcement on social media. He now joins his hometown organization and has a goal of becoming the first openly gay player to suit up for an NHL team… in his home town to boot!

Luke Prokop

Bakersfield Condors Sign Luke Prokop To One-Year Deal

Dave Kallmann / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Dave Kallmann / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Bakersfield Condors have signed defenseman Luke Prokop to a one-year deal, it was announced Monday.

Prokop, a 2020 third-round pick of the Nashville Predators, spent all of last season with the Milwaukee Admirals, scoring one goal and adding three assists for four points in 31 regular-season games.

Having made the jump to the pro level full-time in 2023, Prokop has not played in an NHL game but has accumulated six points in 40 career AHL games. Prior to that, Prokop played his junior hockey in the WHL with the Calgary Hitmen, Edmonton Oil Kings and the Seattle Thunderbirds.

As Prokop joins the Condors, he should be able to take the next step in his game offensively. Capable of making an impact at both ends of the ice, Prokop could see an expanded role in Bakersfield in what will be his second full AHL season.