Key forward set to return for fourth season with the Steelheads
The Idaho Steelheads, the proud ECHL affiliate of the Dallas Stars, announced that Nick Canade will return for the 2025-26 season, signing an ECHL contract to extend his stay in Boise.
Canade, 25, will skate in his fourth season with Idaho, adding experience and grit to a team that thrives on energy.
The news, confirmed by the team on the official Steelheads site, ensures that one of Idaho's most reliable and gritty forwards will remain in Boise for a fourth straight year.
Head Coach Everett Sheen praised Canade for his consistency, with the forward coming off a year where he produced 30 points (17 goals, 13 assists) and racked up 100 penalty minutes across 59 games.
From late February to the end of the season, Canade caught fire, tying for third in the league with 13 goals in 22 games, showing he can deliver offense while playing a rugged style.
The Mississauga, Ontario native has become a cornerstone for Idaho's identity.
Over his last three seasons, Canade has played 167 games, collecting 63 points (27 goals, 36 assists) and 268 penalty minutes.
What this means for the Dallas Stars' development pipeline
His impact hasn't gone unnoticed, he's won the Sean Rhodes Unsung Hero Award two years running, a recognition of his selfless play and ability to lift the team in tough stretches.
«Nick brings a spark every night,» said Sheen in the team's release. "He's the type of player who does whatever it takes to win, and he's earned the respect of his teammates and fans.»
For Dallas, having a player like Canade anchoring their ECHL affiliate adds toughness and leadership to the development chain.
His growth since starting his career in Finland in 2021 shows how valuable his versatility can be for the organization.
I think this is the type of player who can help push prospects in the system while setting a tone for Idaho's 2025-26 season.
TRENDING NOW
