It’s that time in the American Hockey League season when the rosters, for the most part, are set. Teams are making their playoff pushes and want to see what they have in their prospects. For fans of some NHL teams, this is also a good time to look to the future and the next generation of players.
Grand Rapids Griffins - Michael Brandsegg-Nygård
It’s hard to pinpoint one reason for the Grand Rapids Griffins success. However, the rise of rookie winger Michael Brandsegg-Nygård is one of them. He’s scored 16 goals and added 21 assists to become a focal point of the offense. The Detroit Red Wings have a surplus of prospects but the Norwegian power forward might be the one who becomes a vital part of the top six within a few seasons.
Milwaukee Admirals - Ozzy Wiesblatt
There’s a good chance that Ozzy Wiesblatt ends the season with the Nashville Predators for a playoff push or just to show what he can do in a full-time role in the NHL. He’s had stints at that level. Otherwise, expect Wiesblatt to be a top-six center on the Milwaukee Admirals in their Calder Cup run.
Rockford IceHogs - Kevin Korchinski
Nick Lardis was the flashy prospect early on in the season who impressed enough to get called up to the Chicago Blackhawks. Now, all eyes are on Kevin Korchinski, who is starting to feel the pressure as the seventh pick in the 2022 draft and has yet to make the NHL roster. A strong finish to the season is a must, or the NHL team might look to move on from him or at least disregard him as part of their rebuild.
Chicago Wolves - Bradly Nadeau
At 21 years old, Bradley Nadeau has established himself as a star at the AHL level. He has 25 goals and 26 assists while providing a burst of speed on the wing. The question for Nadeau is whether he can be a part of the Carolina Hurricanes or a good player in the NHL. His small frame and struggles defensively suggest otherwise.
Texas Stars - Trey Taylor
The Texas Stars turned their season around to become a top team in the Central Division and did it with the help of a strong blue line. Trey Taylor is the 24-year-old two-way player who took time to develop but has made his mark in his first season with the team, scoring seven goals and adding 16 assists while also stepping up on the defensive end.
Manitoba Moose - Thomas Milic
After struggling last season, Thomas Milic has bounced back and looked like an elite goaltender in the AHL. The Manitoba Moose have struggled this season but he’s been a bright spot with a .911 save percentage (SV%) and a 2.46 goals-against average (GAA). The Winnipeg Jets have their goaltender for the future with Connor Hellebuyck in his prime. That said, Milic is starting to look like a backup at 23 and can be the goaltender who allows the Moose to go on a playoff run if they sneak in.
Iowa Wild - Samuel Hlavaj
There’s a sudden, curious case with Samuel Hlavaj. He isn’t just having a rough season with the Iowa Wild; he’s having an awful one, and it’s why he splits starts and is often the backup to veteran Cal Peterson. Yet, Hlavaj impressed on the Olympic stage for Slovakia, and it’s why he could be on the Minnesota Wild radar at some point.