Luke Prokop becomes first active NHL player to come out as gay originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
Nashville Predators prospect Luke Prokop made history Monday by becoming the first NHL player under contract to come out as gay.
"I could not be happier with my decision to come out," Prokop wrote on Instagram.
Prokop, 19, was selected in the third round of the 2020 NHL Draft and signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Predators in December 2020. He played for the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League last season, serving as the team's alternate captain.
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The 6-foot-4 right-handed defenseman said he made his decision to come out in April.
No NHL player, active or retired, has come out publicly.
"From a young age I have dreamed of being an NHL player, and I believe that living my authentic life will allow me to bring my whole self to the rink and improve my chances of fulfilling my dreams," Prokop said in his Instagram post.
