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League: MiLBSport: BaseballCountry: United StatesCategory: Scores & Results

New Mexico Goatheads roster rules differ from Minor League Baseball standards

2 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 11, 2026, 3:05 AM

Last updated Sep 11, 2026

Summary

Ahead of the October 16 season opener between the New Mexico Goatheads and the Idaho Steelheads, differences in roster construction between the ECHL and Double-A baseball have emerged. ECHL franchises operate with a salary cap and floor, whereas Double-A baseball teams do not use a salary cap. ECHL rosters are limited to 20 or 21 active players including two goaltenders, compared to the 28-player limit in Double-A., the ECHL enforces a limit of four veteran players per team, defined by those with at least 260 professional games in specific leagues. In contrast, Double-A rosters carry no veteran restrictions and remain under the exclusive control of their MLB parent organizations. New Mexico Goatheads players are managed through a collaboration between coach Zack Stortini and the Colorado Avalanche front office.

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Status Watch
  • •The New Mexico Goatheads play the Idaho Steelheads on October 16 at the Rio Rancho Events Center.
  • •ECHL teams follow a weekly salary cap while Double-A baseball teams operate without one.
  • •ECHL rosters limit teams to four veteran players based on previous professional game experience.
  • •ECHL franchises pay player salaries, whereas MLB organizations pay all Double-A players.
  • •The ECHL mandates two goaltenders per active roster.
Latest Updates
  • 3:05 AMYahoo Sports — Goatheads add international experience to blueline
  • 3:06 AMYahoo Sports — How does ECHL roster construction differ from Triple-A baseball?
What they're saying
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Make that 16 players on the New Mexico Goatheads’ roster. The first-year ECHL affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche signed defenseman Edvin Nilsson for the 2026-27 season, it was announced Thursday. The ECHL allows teams to have 21 players for the first 30 days of the season, which begins for the Goatheads on Oct. 16 at the Rio Rancho Events Center. That number then drops to 20. At least two ...

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The New Mexico Goatheads are a little more than a month from their inaugural season opener. But ahead of the Colorado Avalanche affiliate’s Oct. 16 matchup against the Idaho Steelheads at the Rio Rancho Events Center, it’s worth taking a look at how ECHL franchises construct their rosters — and how it differs from other minor-league sports. In this case, compared to Double-A baseball (the ...

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