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 ahead to the next generation of players.
Ontario Reign - Jared Wright
Jared Wright has had such a great rookie season that the Los Angeles Kings called him up recently to help out a depleted forward unit. Wright has 17 goals and 13 assists as a top-line winger on the Ontario Reign, and the 23-year-old gives the Kings hope for the future, especially if they retool and turn to the farm system for help.
Colorado Eagles - Isak Posch
The young goaltender has tailed off lately but otherwise, Isak Posch has looked like a promising goaltender in the Colorado Avalanche system. It’s his first season in the AHL, and he’s shown he can deliver when it matters most. His strong play in the net, along with Trent Miner, has allowed the Eagles to remain at the top of the Pacific Division.
San Jose Barracuda - Luca Cagnoni
The San Jose Sharks have a fun rebuild in the works with plenty of talent in their forward group. They need young defensemen to round out their roster, and Luca Cagnoni looks like one of them with his play in the AHL. The 21-year-old blue liner has seven goals and 30 assists while displaying great puck movement to set up the offense. In other words, he’s the ideal for what the Sharks are looking for.
Bakersfield Condors - Quinn Hutson
At 24, Quinn Hutson is on the older side for a prospect. That said, he’s stood out in his rookie season with the Bakerfield Condors. Hutson has 27 goals and 25 assists to lead all rookies in the AHL and fuel the Condors offense. The Edmonton Oilers are in win-now mode, yet they have a few young forwards who can be on the roster soon enough.
Coachella Valley Firebirds - Tyson Jugnauth
Tyson Jugnauth is one of the most impressive defensemen in the AHL and a strong candidate to make the All-Rookie Team. He’s led the Coachella Valley Firebirds in a resurgent season with great play on the defensive end, with seven goals and 31 assists from the point. If the Firebirds catch fire in the playoffs, Jugnauth making an impact in all three zones will be the reason why.
Henderson Silver Knights - Ben Hammering
Ben Hemmerling has 21 goals and 22 assists for the Henderson Silver Knights and has taken notice as a top young forward in the Vegas Golden Knights system. At 21, Hemmerling has proven he can make an impact in multiple ways and make the offense better. For the Golden Knights, he can be a much-needed depth piece down the road.
San Diego Gulls - Stian Solberg
The Anaheim Ducks are having a great season but they can use defensive reinforcements. One blueliner they’ll turn to in the future is Stian Solberg, who is still adjusting to the AHL and learning the position but has 10 goals for the San Diego Gulls.
Tucson Roadrunners - Dmitry Simashev
Dmitry Simashev is already a borderline NHLer after spending time with the Utah Mammoth this season. With the Tucson Roadrunners, Simashev is a game-changing defenseman, especially on the offensive end, as he’s scored eight goals and 25 assists in 35 games.
Calgary Wranglers - Rory Kerins
It took time for Rory Kerins to develop and become a key part of the Calgary Wranglers forward group. At 23, he’s hit his stride with 17 goals and 28 assists as a top-six center. Kerins has made a strong case to join the Calgary Flames next season and help a team that needs help at the position.
Abbotsford Canucks - Daniela Klimovich
When it comes to Abbotsford Canucks players, there’s always a possibility they get called up to the NHL because the Vancouver Canucks are depleted of talent. One player who has impressed for the AHL team and will likely stay at that level to develop is the 23-year-old Daniela Klimovich, who has 13 goals and 14 assists on a team that’s otherwise struggled this season.