Luke Prokop, a defenseman and the first openly gay player signed by an NHL team, was drafted by the Nashville Predators in the third round of the 2020 NHL Draft and has now signed with the Bakersfield Condors, the AHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers. He agreed to a contract worth $2,379,999 over three years.
Though part of the Predators organization, Prokop never played a game in Nashville. During the 2022-23 season, he appeared in eight games with the Norfolk Admirals (ECHL), earning one point. The following season, he split time between the ECHL and AHL, playing 55 games and scoring 28 points with the Atlanta Gladiators, alongside nine games and two points with the Admirals.
In November 2023, Prokop made his AHL debut, becoming the league’s first openly gay player. Over the past season, he played 31 games with the Admirals, tallying four points. Although he has not yet made his NHL debut, Prokop’s journey and open identity inspire confidence and pave the way for greater acceptance of LGBTQ+ players in hockey.
This summer, Prokop was honored as the Grand Marshal of the 2025 Milwaukee Pride Parade. His move to the Oilers’ farm team feels especially meaningful since he hails from Edmonton and played junior hockey for the Edmonton Oil Kings, making him the first openly gay NHL player to compete in his hometown.
Fan Take: Luke Prokop’s story is a groundbreaking moment for hockey, showing that the sport is becoming more inclusive and supportive of diversity. His perseverance and visibility not only inspire future generations but also promote a culture of acceptance that can positively transform the hockey community.
