The Milwaukee Admirals' 2025-26 season ended with a playoff exit against the Manitoba Moose. Looking ahead, preparations are underway for the 2026-27 season, with key player Jake Lucchini signing a contract extension.
Key points
Milwaukee Admirals lost to Manitoba Moose in playoffs
2025-26 season has concluded for the Admirals
Jake Lucchini signed a one-year extension with Predators
Here’s a look at what we know and what we don’t know about what could happen before the puck drops again in October.
Jake Lucchini, the Admirals leading scorer in 2025-26, signed a one-year, two-way extension with the Predators organization.
Jake Lucchini, the Admirals leading scorer in 2025-26, signed a one-year, two-way extension with the Predators organization.
Key veterans will be back
Defenseman Kevin Gravel signed a two-year AHL contract late in the season, meaning the Admirals captain is in position to be back for his fifth and sixth seasons. Forward Kyle Marino did as well. So there’s a welcome shot of heart, toughness and leadership.
Leading scorerJake Lucchini signed a one-year, two-way extension, so we know he’ll at least be back within the Nashville Predators organization in 2026-27, wherever that is or however his time may be split.
Q&A
What was the outcome of the Milwaukee Admirals' 2025-26 playoff series?
The Milwaukee Admirals lost their best-of-three first-round AHL playoff series to the Manitoba Moose.
Who was the leading scorer for the Milwaukee Admirals in the 2025-26 season?
Jake Lucchini was the leading scorer for the Milwaukee Admirals in the 2025-26 season.
What contract extension did Jake Lucchini sign?
Jake Lucchini signed a one-year, two-way extension with the Predators organization.
When does the Milwaukee Admirals' 2026-27 season start?
The Milwaukee Admirals' 2026-27 season is set to begin in October.
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Forward Daniel Carr has another year on his contract. He started strong, went cold mid-January and then saw his season end early due to injury after 49 games but still finished fifth on the team in scoring with 31 points on 15 goals and 16 assists.
Ethan Haider, who could be an option as the Admirals No. 2 goaltender in 2026-27, talkes with Predators goalie coach Mitch Korn during a training camp practice.
Ethan Haider, who could be an option as the Admirals No. 2 goaltender in 2026-27, talkes with Predators goalie coach Mitch Korn during a training camp practice.
The goaltending arrangement changes
No. 1 goaltender Matt Murray has one year left on his contract. He had a .904 save percentage and 2.83 goals-against average in the regular season, both worse than the previous season when he led the league in save percentage (.932) and was fourth in GAA (2.07) on a team that just missed reaching the finals.
The Admirals will be in need of a backup, with Magnus Chrona, who played in 25 games, having signed a contract to play in Sweden.
Assuming the competition stays in house, that leaves Ethan Haider and T.J. Semptimphelter, who have split time with the ECHL’s Atlanta Gladiators. Haider played one game when called up by the Admirals and allowed one goal in a victory; Semptimphelter gave up six in two starts.
Right wing Cole O'Hara (77) put together an impressive first season as a pro with the Admirals, finishing as the third-leading scorer.
Right wing Cole O'Hara (77) put together an impressive first season as a pro with the Admirals, finishing as the third-leading scorer.
It’ll be a big year for sophomores
The Admirals played with as many as 10 rookies on the roster at times in 2025-26, so one key to success will be for those young players to take a step forward and avoid sophomore slumps.
Right wing Cole O’Hara, who joined the Admirals late in ’24-25 when he finished at UMass, had an impressive first year as a pro with 44 points on 19 goals and 25 assists and also got a one-game taste of the NHL.
Feisty center Oasiz Weisblatt emerged as a fan favorite. One of his roommates, touted defenseman Tanner Molendyk, was impressive in Predators training camp and showed flashes in the AHL but understands he’s a work in progress.
Additionally, it’ll be interesting to see how Joey Willis, Kalan Lind, David Edstrom, Austin Roest, Andrew Gibson and Dalton Bancroft put to use what they learned the first go-round.
Milwaukee Admirals center Oasiz Wiesblatt (88) prepares to take a faceoff against the Iowa Wild in the second period of a game Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
San Jose Barracuda forward Donavan Houle (83) slams Milwaukee Admirals defenseman Jack Matier (51) into the Admirals bench in the first period of a game Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Milwaukee Admirals goaltender Matt Murray (32) waits to get on the ice for a game against the Iowa Wild on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Milwaukee Admirals defenseman Kevin Gravel skates against the Texas Stars during a game Saturday, November 15, 2025, at UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Milwaukee Admirals defenseman Jack Matier (51) levels San Jose Barracuda forward Kasper Halttunen (14) in the third period of a game Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The. Barracuda won, 3-1.
Milwaukee Admirals left wing Isaac Ratcliffe (15) shoots against the Iowa Wild in the third period of a game Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Milwaukee Admirals left wing Navrin Mutter (47) sits on the bench between drills on the opening day of training camp Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
San Jose Barracuda forward Anthony Vincent (76) tumbles over Milwaukee Admirals left wing Isaac Ratcliffe (15) in the third period of a game Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The. Barracuda won, 3-1.
Milwaukee Admirals center Oasiz Wiesblatt (88) looks to pass the puck against the Iowa Wild in the second period of a game Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Milwaukee Admirals left wing Daniel Carr (43) streaks down the ice with the puck on the opening day of training camp Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Dallas Stars forward Ayrton Martino crunches Milwaukee Admirals defenseman Jack Matier against the boards during a game Saturday, November 15, 2025, at UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Milwaukee Admirals defenseman Tanner Molendyk (50) falls backward onto Milwaukee Admirals goaltender Matt Murray (32) as he tries to clear the puck against the Iowa Wild in the third period of a game Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Milwaukee Admirals defenseman Tanner Molendyk (50) protects the puck from San Jose Barracuda forward Anthony Vincent (76) in the third period of a game Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The. Barracuda won, 3-1.
Milwaukee Admirals defenseman Andrew Gibson (6) leans on Iowa Wild right wing Jean-Luc Foudy (86) and Milwaukee Admirals defenseman Jordan Oesterle (82) on Iowa Wild forward Ryan Sandelin (13) to clear space in front of Milwaukee Admirals goaltender Matt Murray (32) in the third period of a game Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Dallas Stars forward Ayrton Martino crunches Milwaukee Admirals defenseman Jack Matier against the boards during a game Saturday, November 15, 2025, at UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (This caption was updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.)
Milwaukee Admirals left wing Daniel Carr (43) is sent flying in a collision with Iowa Wild forward Bradley Marek (10) in the second period of a game Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Nashville Predators goalie coach Mitch Korn talks with goaltender Ethan Haider (31) on the opening day of training camp Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Milwaukee Admirals center Oasiz Wiesblatt (88) collides with Iowa Wild right wing Cameron Butler (42) in the third period of a game Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The puck hops away after a faceoff between Milwaukee Admirals center Austin Roest (63) and San Jose Barracuda forward Patrick Giles (54) in the first period of a game Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
San Jose Barracuda defenseman Braden Hache (86) ties up Milwaukee Admirals left wing Josh Davies (10) in the second period of a game Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Teammate congratulate Milwaukee Admirals center Austin Roest (63) on his goal against the San Jose Barracuda in the first period of a game Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Milwaukee Admirals head coach Karl Taylor supervises drills on the opening day of training camp Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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Our favorite Milwaukee Admirals photos from the 2025-26 AHL season
Milwaukee Admirals center Oasiz Wiesblatt (88) prepares to take a faceoff against the Iowa Wild in the second period of a game Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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Our favorite Milwaukee Admirals photos from the 2025-26 AHL season
Milwaukee Admirals center Oasiz Wiesblatt (88) prepares to take a faceoff against the Iowa Wild in the second period of a game Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
2 / 22
Our favorite Milwaukee Admirals photos from the 2025-26 AHL season
San Jose Barracuda forward Donavan Houle (83) slams Milwaukee Admirals defenseman Jack Matier (51) into the Admirals bench in the first period of a game Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
3 / 22
Our favorite Milwaukee Admirals photos from the 2025-26 AHL season
Milwaukee Admirals goaltender Matt Murray (32) waits to get on the ice for a game against the Iowa Wild on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
4 / 22
Our favorite Milwaukee Admirals photos from the 2025-26 AHL season
Milwaukee Admirals defenseman Kevin Gravel skates against the Texas Stars during a game Saturday, November 15, 2025, at UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
5 / 22
Our favorite Milwaukee Admirals photos from the 2025-26 AHL season
Milwaukee Admirals defenseman Jack Matier (51) levels San Jose Barracuda forward Kasper Halttunen (14) in the third period of a game Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The. Barracuda won, 3-1.
6 / 22
Our favorite Milwaukee Admirals photos from the 2025-26 AHL season
Milwaukee Admirals left wing Isaac Ratcliffe (15) shoots against the Iowa Wild in the third period of a game Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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Our favorite Milwaukee Admirals photos from the 2025-26 AHL season
Milwaukee Admirals left wing Navrin Mutter (47) sits on the bench between drills on the opening day of training camp Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
8 / 22
Our favorite Milwaukee Admirals photos from the 2025-26 AHL season
San Jose Barracuda forward Anthony Vincent (76) tumbles over Milwaukee Admirals left wing Isaac Ratcliffe (15) in the third period of a game Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The. Barracuda won, 3-1.
9 / 22
Our favorite Milwaukee Admirals photos from the 2025-26 AHL season
Milwaukee Admirals center Oasiz Wiesblatt (88) looks to pass the puck against the Iowa Wild in the second period of a game Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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Our favorite Milwaukee Admirals photos from the 2025-26 AHL season
Milwaukee Admirals left wing Daniel Carr (43) streaks down the ice with the puck on the opening day of training camp Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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Our favorite Milwaukee Admirals photos from the 2025-26 AHL season
Dallas Stars forward Ayrton Martino crunches Milwaukee Admirals defenseman Jack Matier against the boards during a game Saturday, November 15, 2025, at UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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Our favorite Milwaukee Admirals photos from the 2025-26 AHL season
Milwaukee Admirals defenseman Tanner Molendyk (50) falls backward onto Milwaukee Admirals goaltender Matt Murray (32) as he tries to clear the puck against the Iowa Wild in the third period of a game Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
13 / 22
Our favorite Milwaukee Admirals photos from the 2025-26 AHL season
Milwaukee Admirals defenseman Tanner Molendyk (50) protects the puck from San Jose Barracuda forward Anthony Vincent (76) in the third period of a game Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The. Barracuda won, 3-1.
14 / 22
Our favorite Milwaukee Admirals photos from the 2025-26 AHL season
Milwaukee Admirals defenseman Andrew Gibson (6) leans on Iowa Wild right wing Jean-Luc Foudy (86) and Milwaukee Admirals defenseman Jordan Oesterle (82) on Iowa Wild forward Ryan Sandelin (13) to clear space in front of Milwaukee Admirals goaltender Matt Murray (32) in the third period of a game Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
15 / 22
Our favorite Milwaukee Admirals photos from the 2025-26 AHL season
Dallas Stars forward Ayrton Martino crunches Milwaukee Admirals defenseman Jack Matier against the boards during a game Saturday, November 15, 2025, at UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (This caption was updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.)
16 / 22
Our favorite Milwaukee Admirals photos from the 2025-26 AHL season
Milwaukee Admirals left wing Daniel Carr (43) is sent flying in a collision with Iowa Wild forward Bradley Marek (10) in the second period of a game Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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Our favorite Milwaukee Admirals photos from the 2025-26 AHL season
Nashville Predators goalie coach Mitch Korn talks with goaltender Ethan Haider (31) on the opening day of training camp Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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Our favorite Milwaukee Admirals photos from the 2025-26 AHL season
Milwaukee Admirals center Oasiz Wiesblatt (88) collides with Iowa Wild right wing Cameron Butler (42) in the third period of a game Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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Our favorite Milwaukee Admirals photos from the 2025-26 AHL season
The puck hops away after a faceoff between Milwaukee Admirals center Austin Roest (63) and San Jose Barracuda forward Patrick Giles (54) in the first period of a game Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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Our favorite Milwaukee Admirals photos from the 2025-26 AHL season
San Jose Barracuda defenseman Braden Hache (86) ties up Milwaukee Admirals left wing Josh Davies (10) in the second period of a game Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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Our favorite Milwaukee Admirals photos from the 2025-26 AHL season
Teammate congratulate Milwaukee Admirals center Austin Roest (63) on his goal against the San Jose Barracuda in the first period of a game Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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Our favorite Milwaukee Admirals photos from the 2025-26 AHL season
Milwaukee Admirals head coach Karl Taylor supervises drills on the opening day of training camp Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Change is coming up top
The Predators have yet to hire a general manager to replace retiring Barry Trotz. A decision could have implications down on the farm.
Does the new guy retain Scott Nichol, who has been Nashville’s assistant GM and the Admirals GM? Does he have different ideas that could change the roster significantly or change the coaching staff?
Center Brady Martin made his NHL debut with Nashville in the fall and joined Milwaukee for the playoffs in spring. Where will he end up next season?
Center Brady Martin made his NHL debut with Nashville in the fall and joined Milwaukee for the playoffs in spring. Where will he end up next season?
Draft and free agency may change everything
One certainty in the AHL is that overall there is no certainty.
Free agency could play a huge role in shaping the roster, and with the league’s emphasis on development players – a team must dress 12 skaters with no more than 260 pro games and another with no more than 320 – means frequent shuffling of the deck with veterans.
The most prominent free agent on the Admirals roster in 2025-26 is defenseman Jordan Oesterle, who carried Milwaukee into the playoffs and finished second on the team in scoring (14 goals, 32 assists, 46 points) behind Lucchini.
As for the draft, don’t count on too much too soon.
Rookies such as Molendyk, Lind, Willis and Roest all were picked in 2023.
That said, Brady Martin, the No. 5 pick last June, played two games for the Predators before being sent back to his junior team because he was too young for the AHL. Martin, now 19, joined the Admirals once his season was complete. So the question becomes whether he or a ’26 pick might be able to stick in Nashville when camp breaks in the fall.
