One NHL prospect to watch on every AHL team
If you have an opportunity to head over to an AHL game this season, make it a priority.
It’s often considered one of the best value tickets in hockey. It’s typically inexpensive, you can get close to the ice and there’s no shortage of high-quality talent trying to force its way up. The 2022-23 season kicked off over the weekend, and there’s an incredible number of star prospects already making noise around the league.
If you’re following just to see the game’s future stars, here’s one prospect to watch on every AHL roster this season – and it might not be long until a handful are up in the big leagues:
Abbotsford Canucks (VAN) – Danila Klimovich, C
Klimovich went from playing in the second Belarus league to the AHL in one of the more wild transitions we’ve seen for a top prospect. He didn’t look overly comfortable last year, but he told reporters during the prospect tournament earlier this year that he’s as ready as ever for the challenge.
Bakersfield Condors (EDM) – Carter Savoie, LW
Savoie went from being a fourth-round pick in 2020 to becoming one of the top prospects. He turned that into quite the two-year tenure at the University of Denver. Savoie is smaller at 5-foot-9, but this will be a great test to see how he can handle tougher, older competition.
Belleville Senators (OTT) – Ridly Greig, C/LW
Many of Ottawa’s top young players are already up with the big club, with Greig being one of the most notable exceptions. Greig was a wrecking ball at the World Junior Championship and was in MVP contention until an injury took him out when it mattered most. Roby Jarventie will also be one worth keeping a close eye on here as Ottawa’s scoring depth continues to blossom.
Bridgeport Islanders (NYI) – Aatu Raty, C
So much has been made about the so-called ‘Aatu Raty Revenge Tour’ after falling to the second round in 2021. His body of work has been excellent ever since, and now he’s ready to cause damage in North America. Raty had some nice moments during the NHL pre-season, but getting comfortable and playing heavy minutes will be key for his development in the AHL.
Calgary Wranglers (CGY) – Dustin Wolf, G
Wolf was an absolute steal of a pick in the seventh round in 2019, and all he has done ever since is win top goalie awards in the WHL and AHL. He’s back for another year of crease dominance, and you’d have to expect he’ll get full-time NHL duty with Jacob Markstrom in 2023-24. So enjoy Wolf while you can, Wranglers fans.
Charlotte Checkers (FLA) – Grigori Denisenko, LW
This will be a big season for Denisenko after a couple of tough years for the winger. At 22, this could be a break-it-or-make-it year for Denisenko, but he’ll be counted on for big things in Charlotte.
Chicago Wolves (CAR) – Noel Gunler, RW
A skilled winger that loves to shoot the puck, Gunler made a bit of noise to close out the AHL season and is ready for his first full campaign. Gunler is an intelligent forward that can provide reliable scoring depth in the future for the Hurricanes. That future isn’t far away.
Cleveland Monsters (CBJ) – David Jiricek, D
Kirill Marchenko is another excellent choice, but after going sixth overall at the most recent NHL Draft, Jiricek is ready for the North American experience. Jiricek is a great skater who can join the rush and get back before putting himself out of position. It feels like his game should transition well to the AHL this year.
Coachella Valley Firebirds (SEA) – Ryker Evans, D
The newest AHL squad, the Firebirds are a work in progress as the Kraken begin to build out a prospect pool. One great addition is Evans, who scored 61 points in 63 games in the WHL last year. It’s easy to pass to Connor Bedard on a nightly basis, but this will be a good test to see how his game transitions to the pro ranks.
Colorado Eagles (COL) – Oskar Olausson, LW/C
Olausson had a solid first year in North America last season and was a good two-way player for Sweden at the World Junior Championship this past summer. The 19-year-old is a great skater with a good heads-up game that allows him to hold his own against other quality competition.
Grand Rapids Griffins (DET) – Simon Edvinsson, D
One of the top prospects in the world right now, Edvinsson is ready to embark on his first season in North America after a fantastic season in the SHL. Edvinsson had a so-so World Junior Championship and struggled during the pre-season, so getting a full season in the AHL isn’t a negative. He’ll be ready to make noise in the NHL next year.
Hartford Wolf Pack (NYR) – William Cuylle, LW
While he projects more like a middle-six forward in the NHL, Cuylle is going to cause some damage against the AHL’s best. He’s big, has a fantastic shot and isn’t afraid to get under the skin of anyone. He’s up for the challenge, and as the Rangers look to be long-term contenders, they can be patient will Cuylle.
Henderson Silver Knights (VGK) – Brendan Brisson, C
Brisson was fantastic with Henderson after turning pro late last year and now he’s ready for the grind of a full season. All Brisson has done everywhere is put points on the board and that won’t change in the AHL. Don’t be surprised if he’s given an NHL call-up before too long.
Hershey Bears (WSH) – Hendrix Lapierre, C
Lapierre started the 2021-22 season with the Caps before getting sent back to junior. Lapierre finished off strong and now is ready to dip back into the pro hockey world with Hershey. The Bears don’t have many top-end prospects, but Lapierre is going to be one to keep a close eye on.
Iowa Wild (MIN) – Jesper Wallstedt, G
One of the best goalie prospects in the game today, Wallstedt is about a year away from going up to the NHL. The top goaltender from the 2022 World Junior Championship is quick, has great size and never gives up on a scoring chance. He has true star potential written all over him, and he’ll have a good goalie partner in Zane McIntyre to work with.
Laval Rocket (MTL) – Cayden Primeau, G
If Primeau is truly Carey Price’s long-term replacement in Montreal, this is a great opportunity for him to show why. Signing him to a three-year deal this summer, the Habs believe in Primeau, who needs to take another step forward this season in Laval. He’s briefly up with the Habs while starter Jake Allen is on parental leave, but Primeau should primarily play for the Rocket this season.
Lehigh Valley Phantoms (PHI) – Tyson Foerster, RW
A talented shooter, Foerster was dangerous throughout the recent World Junior Championship and was actually a standout with the Phantoms during the COVID-19 affected 2020-21 campaign. Foerster missed most of last season with a shoulder injury, but if we’re thinking long-term, there’s true 30-goal potential here.
Manitoba Moose (WPG) – Brad Lambert, C/RW
Fresh off an impressive pre-season and the signing of an entry-level contract, Lambert is ready to cause damage. He was a healthy scratch when it mattered for Finland at the recent WJC, but Lambert has the skill to be a dangerous top-six NHLer in the near future. He just needs to put it all together consistently, and the AHL will be a nice proving ground for that.
Milwaukee Admirals (NSH) – Yaroslav Askarov, G
Askarov is finally here, and the 6-foot-4 goaltender is ready to show why he’s one of the best goalie prospects in the game today. Askarov only got into 19 games between the KHL, VHL and Russian national team last year, so it’ll be interesting to see how much he’ll be utilized this season with Connor Ingram now out of the fray.
Ontario Reign (LAK) – Helge Grans, D
The Reign have a few notable names to watch this season, including Alex Turcotte, who is currently with the team after sustaining a concussion at the end of 2021-22. Grans had a nice rookie season and is ready to take his game up another step as a 20-year-old. The Kings have a busy blueline, but Grans brings size, speed and puck-moving abilities that’ll make him a standout with Ontario.
Providence Bruins (BOS) – Fabian Lysell, RW
A high-attack-at-all-costs forward, Lysell brings speed and an incredible wrist shot to the AHL. Lysell had a great season with the WHL’s Vancouver Giants last year, his first in North America, and he’ll be one of Providence’s top scorers this year.
Rochester Americans (BUF) – Jiri Kulich, C
A couple of Rochester’s top players last year graduated to the Sabres full-time, but Kulich is definitely an interesting one. The U-18 World Championship MVP was taken in the first round by Buffalo after what can only be described as one of the biggest years by any draft riser. A special shoutout to goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who needs to have a solid season after splitting last year in the NHL and AHL.
Rockford Ice Hogs (CHI) – Lukas Reichel, LW/RW
Many pegged Reichel to make the Blackhawks full time this season, especially with all the depleted talent. Instead, the club feels it’s better for him to get some more time in the AHL, playing key minutes and leading the offensive charge. Don’t expect him to spend the whole year here.
San Diego Gulls (ANA) – Lukas Dostal, G
Dostal is viewed as a goalie of the future for the Ducks, one that might not include long-time starter John Gibson. Dostal had a good 2021-22 with the Gulls and got into four games with the big club, and that could bounce up a bit more this year, too.
San Jose Barracuda (SJS) – Thomas Bordeleau, C
It was a bit surprising to see Bordeleau sent down after a great end to the year in both the NHL and AHL. The Sharks see more value in him dominating the AHL than playing limited minutes in the NHL, so they’re playing it patiently. But don’t expect them to be too patient if he puts up many points early.
Springfield Thunderbirds (STL) – Joel Hofer, G
Is Hofer in St. Louis’ long-term plans? The 22-year-old was the top goalie during the 2020 World Junior Championship and even scored a goal with Springfield last season. With Thomas Greiss signed for just one year, this could be Hofer’s audition to be Jordan Binnington’s backup next year.
Syracuse Crunch (TBL) – Alex Barre-Boulet
The 25-year-old has proven just about everything he can in the AHL over the past few years. However, he has proven absolutely nothing in the NHL. Barre-Boulet is off to a wicked start once again, but is it enough to go full-time in the NHL?
Texas Stars (DAL) – Matej Blumel, RW/LW
Blumel has had an explosive start to the AHL campaign, potting three goals in two games against Colorado. The 22-year-old was a fourth-round pick in 2019, so it’s a bonus if he becomes something substantial in the NHL. But first, it’s about getting comfortable playing in North America for the first time in four years.
Toronto Marlies (TML) – Nicholas Abruzzese, C/LW
Nick Robertson was called up this past weekend and, if all goes well, he won’t return to the minors. That shifts some of the attention to Abruzzese, who turned pro last year after a successful tenure at Harvard. This season is all about adjusting to the pro game and forcing looks with the big club when opportunities arise. As a 2019 fourth-round pick, expectations were low to begin with, but that could all change.
Tuscon Roadrunners (ARI) – Nathan Smith, C
Could Smith be a diamond in the rough? The 2022 Olympian finished a three-year run with Minnesota State University as a Hobey Baker finalist and had a successful first NHL stint to finish the season. Smith is back with the Roadrunners this year and already looks good – now it’s about building confidence and getting opportunities.
Utica Comets (NJD) – Simon Nemec, D
Nemec looked comfortable in his AHL debut with Utica over the weekend and he’s only going to go up from here. The second overall pick from the 2022 NHL Draft, Nemec has significant experience against men already and once he adjusts to the smaller ice, he’ll be a workhorse.
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (PIT) – Samuel Poulin, RW
Poulin is looking to build upon a decent AHL rookie campaign in which he scored 16 goals. Poulin scored in the Penguins’ season opener over the weekend and looks quick, aggressive and determined to earn more opportunities.
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