It’s hard to keep track of all the transactions in the American Hockey League (AHL), and it’s hard to care about most of them either. So, every Tuesday, Mike Fink looks at the big ones and their impact on the teams involved.
It’s hard to keep track of all the transactions in the American Hockey League (AHL), and it’s hard to care about most of them either. So, every Tuesday, Mike Fink looks at the big ones and their impact on the teams involved.
Ilya Protas Called Up to Washington
- Ilya Protas has not only been the best player on the Hershey Bears this season, but he’s also been the best rookie in the AHL.
- His 62 points (28 goals and 32 assists) lead all rookies, and the top-line center has developed into an elite two-way player.
- For Protas, it was a matter of when and not if the Washington Capitals would call him up. He’ll play center for a team desperately trying to make a push for the playoffs.
Trey Augustine Joins Grand Rapids
- With Michigan State eliminated from the Frozen Four, Trey Augustine joined the Grand Rapids Griffins.
- He’s an elite goaltending prospect in the Detroit Red Wings system, and the final few games will allow the team to get a small sample size.
- The Griffins already have their workhorse with Sebastian Cossa as their primary starter. However, Augustine adds depth and gives them a much-needed backup for a playoff run.
Riley Patterson Joins Abbotsford
- It's a lost season for the Abbotsford Canucks, who are already eliminated from the playoffs.
- But, these games matter for some of the prospects, including Riley Patterson, who was a standout in Niagara in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).
Penguins Goaltending Moves
- With Stuart Skinner out with an injury, the Pittsburgh Penguins needed a backup.
- So, they called up Sergei Murashov, who is their top prospect in Wilkes-Barre Scranton.
- Then, they brought in Taylor Gauthier from Wheeling in the ECHL.
Jordan Oesterle Called Up to Nashville
- The Nashville Predators are in a battle for the final wild card spot in the Western Conference and can use all the help they can get.
- So, they added Jordan Oesterle as a defense reinforcement, which the veteran blueliner has been all season.
Brennan Othmann Sent Down to the AHL
- Turns out, the Flames have found out what they have in Brennan Othmann ans they aren’t impressed.
- The same issues that set the winger back in Hartford are on display in Calgary, as he doesn’t play a two-way game or have the hockey IQ to play in the NHL.
William Villeneuve Called Up By Toronto
- The Toronto Maple Leafs called up William Villeneuve earlier in the week.
- It's a lost season for the Maple Leafs, so they can see what they have in a few "tweeners" who stepped up with the Marlies.
- Benoit-Olivier Groulx was the previous example but now the team will see what a defense puck-moving William Villeneuve can do (that is, until they send him back down a few days later).