Jalen Luypen joins South Carolina Stingrays after leaving Chicago Blackhawks system bringing pro experience and playoff pedigree

On September 8, 2025, the South Carolina Stingrays brought in forward Jalen Luypen, a former Chicago Blackhawks prospect, as their latest roster move. The deal ends a short stretch on the free-agent market for the 22-year-old forward, who spent the last two seasons with the Rockford IceHogs in the AHL.

Instead of waiting on another NHL call, Jalen Luypen will now join Washington’s ECHL affiliate in Charleston. With a background that includes playoff runs, a junior championship, and steady growth as a two-way skater, he arrives as a player worth watching this season.

Jalen Luypen’s rise from WHL star to pro hockey contender

Jaylen Luypen’s climb through hockey’s ladder has already covered plenty of ground. He got his first taste of the pros during the 2023 Calder Cup Playoffs with Rockford and went on to play 132 AHL games over two years.

In that stretch, he posted 36 points, including 12 goals and 24 assists. His most productive stretch came in 2023–24, when he tallied 20 points. Last season, he set a career best with eight goals while adding six assists.He also had a short stint in the ECHL, skating in five games with the Indy Fuel and picking up three points. Before turning pro, he carved out an impressive junior career in the WHL. With the Edmonton Oil Kings, he recorded 136 points and helped lead the club to the 2022 Ed Chynoweth Cup before competing in the Memorial Cup that same year.

He wrapped up his WHL career with the Tri-City Americans in 2022–23, putting up 42 points in just 41 games.

For the South Carolina Stingrays, this signing isn’t simply about numbers on a stat sheet. Jaylen Luypen brings AHL experience, playoff mileage, and a championship background to a roster that leans on both development and production. As an affiliate of the Hershey Bears and Washington Capitals, South Carolina often looks for players who can handle top minutes while still building toward the next level.

Luypen fits that mold, capable of moving around the lineup and taking on different roles.

Carolina Stingrays bet on Jalen Luypen’s versatility and leadership to make an immediate impact in 2025–26

Jalen Luypen’s move to South Carolina is another step in a career that has already spanned the WHL, AHL, and ECHL. His numbers point to steady progress, but more importantly, teams continue to place trust in his game. For the Stingrays, adding a player with experience, versatility, and a history of winning could make the difference as they chase another playoff run in 2025–26.Also Read :Dustin Wolf signs a seven-year, $52.5 million extension with the Calgary Flames