Milic makes NHL debut

Former Norfolk Admirals' goaltender Thomas Milic became the 774th former ECHL player to reach the National Hockey League when he debuted with the Winnipeg Jets on Friday at Carolina.

Milic is the sixth former ECHL player to make his NHL debut during the 2025-26 season. He made his pro debut with Norfolk during the 2023-24 season, going 11-3-2 in 18 appearances with two shutouts, a 2.45 goals-against average and a save percentage of .908. He suited up in an additional 18 games for the Admirals last season, going 11-5-2 with three shutouts, a 1.82 goals-against average and a save percentage of .935. During the 2025 Kelly Cup Playoffs, he saw action in nine games, posting a record of 5-4 with three shutouts, a 1.61 goals-against average and a save percentage of .945.

He also represented the Admirals in the 2024 Warrior/ECHL All-Star Classic in Savannah, as he becomes the 75th player to reach the NHL after appearing in the All-Star Game, and the 59th since 2002 when the format was changed to feature younger prospects.

A fifth-round selection (151st overall) of the Jets in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, Milic has appeared in 63 career games for Manitoba of the American Hockey League, going 29-23-7 with two shutouts, a 2.88 goals-against average and a save percentage of .895.