As the AHL playoffs are scheduled to begin, here are some former NCAA players looking to make their mark on their new teams
The NCAA season has come and gone, and with that, we have seen plenty of NCAA players sign entry-level deals over the last few weeks with the teams that drafted them.
With this being players first foray into professional hockey, there may be a few speed bumps along the way but teams are expecting that. As the chase for the Calder Cup begins, here are a handful of NCAA players to watch.
Shai Buium
While a lot of the attention has been on his brother Zeev this season, and rightfully so, Shai was one of the better defenders on a powerhouse Denver Pioneers team.
After signing his entry-level deal with the Red Wings on April 17, Buium will spend the rest of the season with the Grand Rapids Griffins. With two regular season games already under his belt, Buium has already gotten his feet wet at the AHL level.
With the Griffins set to take on the Rockford IceHogs this Saturday for the start of the Central Division Semifinals, expect Buium to see the ice.
As a smooth skating, two-way defender, Buium's game is made for the pro level. While the blueline is going to filled with talented players such as Simon Edvinsson, Brogan Rafferty, Radim Simek and others vying for ice time, Buium could be a difference maker for the team.
Sean Behrens
Behrens, another solid minute-munching defenseman for the Pioneers this season, signed with the Avalanche this past Friday.
Having already made his debut with the Colorado Eagles, Behrens collected his first professional point in his first AHL game. As the Eagles get set to take on the Abbotsford Canucks in the first round on Wednesday, Behrens could be a secret weapon.
Behrens' skating ability has allowed him to separate himself from others at every level he's played at so far. While it will be difficult for him to do so at the AHL level, if Behrens is given space to maneuver with the puck, he poses a problem.
While it is expected that the Avalanche will give Behrens a long look come training camp, this experience will be a valuable one as he looks to make the jump to the NHL as early as next season.
Dylan Duke
Having signed his entry-level deal with the Lightning on April 15, Duke joined the Syracuse Crunch after an impressive season with the Michigan Wolverines where he had 49 points in 41 games.
Duke has appeared in three games with the Crunch already, where he has struggled a little bit, posting a +/- of -3 with two shots. With that being said, Duke is too skillful with the puck to be kept off the scoresheet for much longer.
As the Crunch get ready to face off against the Rochester Americans on Friday in the North Division Semifinals, Duke will have the opportunity to make his presence felt.
With a no-fear attitude and a knack for going hard to the net, Duke's game is built for the playoffs which will make him one to watch.
Sam Lipkin
An Arizona Coyotes prospect, Lipkin signed his contract with the team on April 4th. With his ELC starting next season, Lipkin has logged time with the Tucson Roadrunners since turning pro.
Having already played seven games for the Roadrunners, Lipkin has one assist which came during his first pro game against the San Diego Gulls.
Scheduled to face the Calgary Wranglers in the first round on Wednesday, Lipkin could be a dark horse for the Roadrunners. Capable of making plays at high speed with the puck, Lipkin should fit in with the heightened pace seen in the playoffs.
As the Roadrunners will look to make quick plays in transition to throw the Wranglers and star goalie Dustin Wolf off their game, Lipkin is one to watch as this is right in his wheelhouse.
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