The Elite League remains a hive of activity in the final days of July, with teams across the competition retooling for 2025-26.
Adam Keefe and Kevin Moore remain amongst the league’s most active recruiters, with the Belfast Giants and Coventry Blaze each making key signings in recent days.
Coventry reinforced their crease with the addition of collegiate standout Dershahn Stewart, while the Giants doubled-down on offence with Jake Gaudet and Ryan Smith joining the reigning regular-season champions.
With that in mind, let’s dive into the latest edition of Elite League Signing Grades.
Signing Grade: Jack Gaudet commits to Belfast Giants
Jake Guadet arrives in the Elite League with four full seasons of professional experience in North America.
The 29-year-old came through the ranks at the University of Massachusetts, recording 53 points (20 goals, 33 assists) in 124 NCAA appearances.
Gaudet captained UMass to the NCAA National Championship in 2021, his fourth and final season in collegiate hockey.
The Canadian has spent most of the last four seasons in the AHL, recording 36 points (14 goals, 22 assists) in 161 appearances for the Cleveland Monsters and Providence Bruins.
Gaudet also has a 16-game stint in the ECHL on his resume — he scored eight points (four goals, four assists) for the Cincinnati Cyclones.
“Jake is a solid two-way centre who has remained in the AHL because of it,” Adam Keefe said of his latest addition.
“He skates well, has a strong hockey IQ, and can play in all situations. He will be a great addition to our roster.”
Verdict: A+
It’s difficult to find fault in Keefe’s assessment of Gaudet, who projects as a top-six centre for the Giants.
Jake Gaudet, Belfast Giants (Image: Cleveland Monsters)
Critics will point to his anaemic scoring record in the AHL — but hockey is played on the ice; not well-thumbed player profiles on Elite Prospects.
It’s worth repeating this point every offseason: the AHL is a higher standard of competition than the Elite League. And it’s not close, either.
Gaudet wasn’t a prolific scorer in North America’s second tier, but he enjoyed a steady career in the league for a reason.
He plays a solid, two-way brand of hockey, playing in all situations and a variety of systems.
Gaudet is an excellent signing for Belfast.
Signing Grade: Coventry Blaze sign netminder Dershahn Stewart
It should come as no surprise that Kevin Moore views Adrian College’s NCAA III programme as a prime recruiting ground for the Coventry Blaze.
Dershahn Stewart, Coventry Blaze (Image: Adrian College)
The Michigan-based university handed Moore his first full-time coaching opportunity — and he saw firsthand the Bulldogs’ ability to nurture diamond in the rough talent.
Deshahn Stewart is just that — a rookie netminder with boom or bust potential.
The 25-year-old’s collegiate numbers are impressive, upholding a .920 save percentage and 2.21 goals-against average through 77 appearances.
Stewart backstopped Adrian to back-to-back championships and was named to the NCHA’s All-Conference Team in his junior year.
“Dershahn is a very athletic young goaltender who never gives up on pucks,” said former netminder Moore.
“He also demonstrates strong gap control in tight situations and on breakaways. Coming from a winning program with a great culture, we’re excited to help him take the next step in his career.”
Verdict: A-
With Alessio Luciani and Artem Buzoberya already on Coventry’s roster, Stewart is the latest player to follow the Bulldogs to Blaze pipeline.
The Amherstburg-born netminder isn’t a sure bet to make the grade in the Elite League — but Moore’s faith in him should give Blaze fans confidence.
Set to play a secondary tandem role behind the returning Mat Robson, Stewart should be given time to adapt to the professional game.
If he succeeds, there’s no doubt that Elite League coaches will starting paying closer attention to NCAA III prospects.
Signing Grade: Ryan Smith inks Belfast Giants contract
Ryan Smith joins the Giants following a productive stint in Germany’s second tier, in which he tallied 30 points (13 goals, 17 assists) in 26 appearances for the Selber Wölfe.
The 27-year-old split last season between the DEL2 and the ECHL, contributing 12 points (six goals, six assists) in 18 outings for the Adirondack Thunder.
Smith carries considerable professional experience, with 131 points (60 goals, 71 assists) in 230 ECHL appearances under his belt.
“Ryan skates well for a bigger guy, he uses his size, and he isn’t afraid to be physical,” said Keefe.
“He’s coming off some really offensively successful seasons in North America and Germany, and we’re excited to add him to our lineup.”
Verdict: A-
Smith’s story is one of resilience.
When his four-year stint in the NCAA didn’t lead him to a contract in the AHL or ECHL, he took an offer from the SPHL’s Macon Mayhem and scored 26 points (nine goals, 17 assists) in 42 games.
His fourth-tier form led him to the ECHL, in which he later became a 50-goal scorer.
Smith’s ability to play up and down the line-up on the wing or at centre increases his relevancy.
While he likely slots into a third-line role to start the season, he could quickly move up the depth chart if injuries or chemistry issues bite in Belfast.
Smith is a steady, low-risk signing — and potentially more than that.
Read More:
- Anlysis: Cardiff Devils sign former AHL captain Jimmy Oligny
- Fife Flyers land ‘agitator’ Didrik Nøkleby Svendsen
- Analysis: Manchester Storm sign former Detroit Red Wings prospect
Ice Hockey UK announce landmark NHL pact - Dundee Stars and Aberdeen Lynx forward Gary Kelly dies in reported Ibiza balcony fall
