Nelson re-signs with Oilers

TULSA, Okla. —The Tulsa Oilers, ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Anaheim Ducks and the American Hockey League’s San Diego Gulls, announced the re-signing of forward Josh Nelson for the 2025-26 season.

Nelson, 26, earned the Oilers’ Most Improved Player Award, notching 28 points (9g-19a), leading all Oilers rookie forwards in assists during his first full professional season.

The Lockhart, Illinois native displayed a knack for scoring big goals at key moments, striking twice to force overtime, twice to win in the extra frame and scoring either Tulsa’s first or final goal of regulation for a 6-1- record in the seven outings he found the goal column. Nelson’s most memorable performance came in a first-star outing on Feb. 23 in Fort Wayne, forcing overtime and scoring the winning goal in a 2-1 victory over the Komets.

Prior to turning pro, Nelson played for London of the Ontario Hockey League, recording 70 points (33g-37a) in 206 games with the Knights. He added another 22 points (12g-10a) in 28 OHL games with the Barrie Colts before recording 67 points (32g-35a) in an 84-game career with St. Francis Xavier University. Nelson — the only American on the team — led the X Men with 17 goals during the 2022-23 season.