No. 59, freshman defenseman Carter Sotheran
Photo credit: Omaha Hockey
MavPuck is profiling the 11 newcomers on Omaha’s 2026-27 roster. Links to the previous profiles are at the bottom of the blog post.
Carter Sotheran played 267 regular-season games during his four-year WHL career. But some of his best offensive numbers came during his final 30 games.
After being traded from Portland to Edmonton in January, the 21-year-old defenseman recorded 13 goals and 22 assists for 35 points in 30 games with the Oil Kings.
Three-and-a-Half Seasons in Portland
Sotheran, a native of Sanford, Manitoba, began his WHL career with the Portland Winterhawks in 2022-23. He recorded four goals and 19 assists for 23 points in 68 games as a rookie.
His production jumped the following season, when Sotheran had 13 goals and 27 assists for 40 points in 66 games. He added 33 points in 66 games in 2024-25.
Sotheran began his fourth WHL season with Portland and recorded six goals and 31 assists for 37 points in 37 games.
Then came a January trade.
A Big Finish in Edmonton
The Oil Kings acquired Sotheran from Portland on Jan. 6 in exchange for defenseman Niko Tsakumis and two draft picks, including a 2027 first-round pick.
Sotheran recorded 35 points in his 30 regular-season games with Edmonton.
His biggest night came Feb. 6 against Moose Jaw. Sotheran scored three goals and added two assists in an 11-4 Oil Kings win. He became just the second defenseman in Edmonton franchise history to record a hat trick.
The five-point game also came in his 250th career WHL regular-season game.
Combined with a goal and an assist against Medicine Hat earlier that week, Sotheran had seven points in two games and was named WHL Player of the Week.
A Flyers Draft Pick
Sotheran was selected by the Philadelphia Flyers in the fifth round — No. 135 overall — of the 2023 NHL Draft.
Philadelphia did not sign him to an entry-level contract before its rights expired in June 2025, making Sotheran an unrestricted free agent.
He returned to the WHL for his final junior season and committed to Omaha in March.
What He Brings to Omaha
Sotheran brings four seasons of WHL experience to Omaha.
He finished his final junior season with 19 goals and 53 assists for 72 points in 67 games between Portland and Edmonton.
At 6-foot-4 and 198 pounds, he also gives Omaha another big, right-shot defenseman.
One Thing to Know
Sotheran’s five-point game against Moose Jaw wasn’t his only big performance last season. He recorded at least three points in a game five times in 2025-26, including four points in Portland's season opener against Prince George.
What We’ll Be Watching
Sotheran’s offensive production increased during his final two WHL seasons. After recording 33 points in 66 games in 2024-25, he more than doubled that total with 72 points in 67 games last season.
We’ll be watching to see how that offensive production from the blue line translates to college hockey.
Carter Sotheran at a Glance:
Number: 59
Position: Defenseman
Class: Freshman
Nickname: Suds
Height/Weight: 6-4 / 198
Hometown: Sanford, Manitoba
Shoots: Right
Previous Team: Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
2025-26 WHL: 67 games, 19 goals, 53 assists, 72 points
Previous Meet the New Mavericks profiles:
Arseni Marchenko
Height/Weight: 6-4 / 198
Hometown: Sanford, Manitoba
Shoots: Right
Previous Team: Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
2025-26 WHL: 67 games, 19 goals, 53 assists, 72 points
Previous Meet the New Mavericks profiles:
Arseni Marchenko
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