In the summer of 2021, Predators prospect Luke Prokop became the first openly gay hockey player under an NHL contract. There was obviously a mixed bag of reactions but for the most part, Prokop received an overwhelming amount of support from the NHL community.
Among those who let Prokop know he is welcome is 2021 Hart Trophy winner Auston Matthews. In a recent article, Prokop revealed the message Matthews sent him.
Matthews was not the only one to show his support as many other NHLers like Jake DeBrusk and even a message from rockstar Elton John.
Since being drafted in the third round of the 2020 NHL draft, Prokop has gone on to develop strongly. He played out the rest of his junior career and finished as a two-time WHL champion before transitioning to the ECHL. He has played all of the year so far in the ECHL but he was recently called up to the AHL.
At 6'6" and 220lbs, Prokop is a large and mobile defenseman who is able to shut down other teams' top talent. He can also add a scoring touch when need be but he has been projected as a transition/shutdown defenseman at the NHL level.
Through nine ECHL games so far this year, Prokop has scored two goals and five points.
He will now try and stick at the AHL level and continue his development into one day becoming an everyday NHLer.
As seen on The Athletic - Prokop on NHL's Pride missteps and preparing to make hockey history
POLL | ||
Will Prokop ever make the NHL? | ||
Yes | 157 | 50 % |
No | 157 | 50 % |
List of polls |