Oilers' organization signs Luke Prokop, the first openly gay player in NHL history

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!