No offence, but it's 100% because he signed his ELC. He isn't allowed to play in the AHL if he didn't sign it lol. The second a guy signs it, he's 95% gone to ECHL/AHL for his OA season (barring an injuy that gets him sent back). NHL teams only sign guys to it when they know they'll be good enough for pro hockey in their 20 year old season
Also Fulcher will not be back. He's done all he can do in the OHL
No offence taken. I think you missed my point. I understand that to play in the AHL an ELC has to be signed (or an AHL contract, which many older AHLers have). However, I added that there is also the age requirement, which Stillman meets, which allows him to go to the AHL. This is why I used the examples of Entwistle, Strome, and Thomas who have also signed ELCs. They cannot play in the AHL this season because they will be under 20.
It's possible that Fulcher is gone, and yes, he has done all you can do in the OHL. However, this was his first season as the #1 goaltender for an entire year. This year he played 55 games plus all playoff and Memorial Cup games. Last year he played 43 games but once Dawson Carty came in, Fulcher's playing time was reduced considerably. Before last season he played 17 games. Goalies generally take longer to develop, and that extra OA year while having an ELC in the OHL, could be more beneficial than if the plan is to have him play limited minutes as a backup in the ECHL. If there's one thing Detroit has been known for, it's taking time to develop their prospects. Honestly, it won't surprise me whether he graduates or returns next season. I see benefits for him on both sides. I think he could be better off playing another season in the OHL and being traded to another contender, unless he has a shot at being the starter in the ECHL.
Not that I know anything about most of these goalies, but here is the Red Wings goalie depth, who Fulcher is competing against:
AHL
Harri Sateri
Patrik Rybár
ECHL (last year's goalies, no idea who's signed for 2018-19)
Pat Nagle
Matej Machovsky
Other prospects in the system:
Joren van Pottelberghe (21 years old, last played for HC Davos)
Chase Perry (22 years old, last played NCAA)
Victor Brattström (21 years old, last played in SHL)
Filip Larsson (19 years old, last played NCAA)
Kaden Fulcher (20 years old, last played OHL)
Keith Petruzzelli (19 years old, last played NCAA)
Jesper Eliasson (18 years old, last played Swedish Super Elite)
Fulcher is the only goalie listed among players "in the system" who is signed, but Detroit also currently has 9 contract spots remaining. 1 or 2 goalies could easily go to goalie prospects listed above.
Correction: Entwistle is not yet signed. No doubt in my mind that he will eventually be though.