Bishop, 23, returns to Charlotte after helping to lead the Checkers to a Calder Cup last season. The St. John’s native has 40 points (12, 28a) in 148 AHL games and three points (1g, 2a) in 20 NHL games over his three pro seasons.
Gauthier, 21, is coming off a breakout sophomore season that saw him rank second on the Checkers with 27 goals. Over his two pro seasons the Quebec native has 66 points (43g, 23a) in 140 AHL games for Charlotte.
Gibbons, 31, joins the Checkers after spending the last two seasons exclusively in the NHL. Heading into his ninth pro season, the Massachusetts native has 160 points (55g, 105a) in 329 career AHL games as well as 67 points (25g, 42a) in 189 NHL games.
Forsling, 23, inked a new deal with Carolina after being dealt from Chicago this summer as part of the Calvin de Haan trade. A fifth-round pick in 2014 by Vancouver, Forsling has 15 points (3g, 12a) in 53 career AHL games and 27 points (8g, 19a) in 122 NHL games.
McKeown, 23, returns to Charlotte after being a key member of the Cup-winning squad a year ago. The blue liner has 60 points (12g, 48a) in 210 AHL games and three assists in 10 NHL games over his pro career.
Forsberg, 26, was also a part of this summer’s trade with Chicago. A member of Lake Erie’s Calder Cup-winning squad in 2015-16, Forsberg has logged 45 career NHL and 158 AHL games during his time in North America.
Additionally, the Checkers have released Bobby MacIntyre, Lucas Lessio and Sam Kurker from their tryouts.