Five Thriving AHL Forwards Who Deserve a Look in the National Hockey League

We're four days away from the National Hockey League trade deadline. While the answer to the age-old how do we win question could rest on the roster of a competing club, an injection of offence, grit or leadership could come from the American Hockey League.

The Hockey News looked at five AHL forwards who deserve a look in the National Hockey League this season. 

Mavrik Bourque - Texas Stars - 19G, 42A, 61P

Could Mavrik Bourque join his linemate Logan Stankoven in Dallas?

The 22-year-old first overall selection of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft for the Dallas Stars has not slowed down since Stankoven was recalled to the NHL, continuing to lead the AHL in points with 19 goals, 42 assists and 61 points in 53 games. 

The Shawinigan Cataractes alumni has 113 points in 129 AHL games with Texas. While the powerhouse offensive talent could continue to lead the Stars towards a Calder Cup run, there's merit in a reunion with Stankoven and a well-earned first taste in the NHL as Dallas embarks on a cup chase of their own. 

T.J. Tynan - Ontario Reign - 6G, 41A, 47P

At 32 years old, T.J. Tynan has earned his stripes as a veteran in the sport. 

The 66th overall draft selection by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, Tynan has 21 NHL games to his credit across three seasons with the Blue Jackets, Avalanche and Kings, though his last call-up came in the 2021-22 season. 

Coming off of consecutive high-production campaigns with the Ontario Reign (98 points in 2021-22 and 81 points in 2022-23), the tenured forward has done all he can do at the AHL level. He's currently in the midst of another strong season in the AHL, putting up 47 points in 53 games. 

With the Kings currently in a wild card slot, Tynan could prove a sturdy locker room presence with strong playmaking skills and plenty of pro experience on an already playoff-tested lineup looking for one more crack at glory. 

Max McCormick - Coachella Valley Firebirds - 24G, 20A, 44P

Like Tynan, Max McCormick, 31, has seen his share of pro-action. 

The former sixth-round pick of the Ottawa Senators has suited up for 94 NHL games across tenures with the Sens, Hurricanes and Kraken, and he's proven to be a heart-and-soul leadership type with the very young Coachella Valley Firebirds. 

Coachella's Captain has put up 24 goals and 44 points in 51 games for the Firebirds in their sophomore season, having led the club to the Calder Cup finals in their inaugural campaign last year, where he banked 28 goals and 67 points in the regular season, going over a point per game in 26 games in the playoffs.

The Kraken are fighting for a playoff berth, currently sitting nine games back of the Predators. While it might be an uphill climb to get back into the mix, the team could do worse than to turn to a veteran with recent playoff success and proven leadership qualities. 

Nathan Todd - San Jose Barracuda - 16G, 29A, 45P

Nathan Todd has put in the work.

The undrafted 28-year-old product of the OHL's Ottawa 67's has divided his pro career between the ECHL and AHL, putting up 115 points across 181 AHL games with the Senators, Moose, Thunderbirds and his current home in San Jose. 

With both the Barracuda and Sharks well clear of any playoff aspirations, the San Jose brass would do well to honour a proven commodity with his first-ever NHL appearance. 

Todd has put up a healthy 16 goals and 45 points in 53 games with a struggling Barracuda this season. He's put in the work and deserves a shot. 

Josh Doan - Tucson Roadrunners - 22G, 16A, 38P 

Come on Coyotes fans, you want this. 

Shane Doan is a name synonymous with the Coyotes, the greatest to do it in the desert. His progeny, 22-year-old Josh Doan, has found his scoring touch in the American Hockey League.

As a rookie, Josh has netted 22 goals and chipped in on 16 helpers for a solid 38 points in 52 games in Tucson. 

The Coyotes were in free fall throughout February and have properly fallen out of playoff contention, while the Roadrunners remain firmly in the mix with 64 points, currently sitting third in the Pacific.

Conventional wisdom says that Doan would best serve to finish out the season in Tucson, hopefully embarking on a long and fruitful playoff run. But wouldn't it be an amazing silver lining on a rough season in Arizona to see Shane Doan's son dawning the sweater his father made famous? We can certainly dream.