Luke Prokop, the only publicly out gay athlete signed to a major US men’s pro sports team, has again been cut from the Nashville Predators’ roster ahead of the start of the NHL season.
However, his lower-level assignment by the team potentially bodes well for him.
In the meantime, the other 31 NHL teams all have the opportunity to claim Prokop off of waivers. It’s unlikely, given each team has players in their development system. If a team did claim Prokop, it would be a sign that another franchise sees NHL-roster potential in him. Still, if he’s with the Predators organization this season, that may be the best place for him as they are clearly invested in his development.
Last season, Prokop played mostly for the Atlanta Gladiators, the ECHL team in the Predators’ development system. He got a shot with the Admirals, and now his assignment to Milwaukee specifically demonstrates a view by the Predators that he is developing nicely.
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If a roster spot opens up for the Preds, it will be the Admirals the team looks to first.
Prokop is the only publicly out gay or bi player signed to a major US team. Collin Martin currently plays for North Carolina FC in the USL Championship, just below Major League Soccer where he previously played multiple seasons.
He has also been vocal about the importance of LGBTQ-inclusion efforts in hockey, the NHL and sports in general. Last year, when the NHL banned Pride-themed warmup jerseys and Pride Tape on sticks, Prokop was upset and not quiet about it.
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Luke Prokop plays in game for Milwaukee Admirals, first out gay player in AHL
Luke Prokop is the first publicly out gay athlete to play in an AHL game, one division below the NHL, signed by the Nashville Predators.
By Cyd Zeigler | November 15, 2023
Regardless, that seems to have had no effect on his standing with the Predators. Prokop continues to advance in the NHL ranks. At just 22 years old, his dream of playing in an NHL game — and also happening to do so as the first out gay player in the NHL — is alive and well.
Prokop was selected by the Predators with the 73rd overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, before he came out publicly as gay.
You can follow Luke Prokop on X and on Instagram.
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