Prospect Ramblings: Checking In On AHL And NCAA Prospects
Peter Harling
2021-02-15
Lehigh Valley Phantoms Zayde Wisdom – Image Via OSC
Don’t look now, but there are all kinds of hockey being played again.
While we still await the return of the WHL and OHL there has been plenty of prospects playing in other leagues.
The WHL has committed to a 24 game season scheduled to begin February 26th. So far only eight games are posted on the WHL website
OHL Commissioner Dave Branch sent a statement on February 11th updating the status of the OHL intention to return to play.
Update from the OHL on return to play.
Not saying much but at least it’s not an official cancellation of the season pic.twitter.com/XRVuImLXmo— Peter Harling🏒 (@pharling) February 11, 2021
The statement provided little information or details but did suggest that the OHL had a plan that was close to being executed. Shortly after Scott Wheeler of The Athletic posted this…
Sources: The OHL sent a memo to teams today with plans for restart:
– 24-game season
– Four hub cities
– March quarantines at home before arriving in host city
– April 2-4 weekend target for start to season
– Government mandated quarantines for imports*Subject to gov. approval
— Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) February 10, 2021
Meanwhile, the AHL has returned to play in the USA and limited play in Canada. With the OHL and WHL on hold, many drafted prospects are getting an opportunity to play in the AHL when they would otherwise not be eligible.
2020 second overall pick by the LA Kings, Quinton Byfield is one player making his pro debut in the AHL. I have been vocal about my opinion about where Byfield should spend this crucial development season. He has not shown me he is an NHL player yet, and I believe he would be best served dominating the OHL. Since that is not possible, the AHL is the best available option and he has scored his first career pro goal.
Quinton Byfield (#LAKings) scores his first pro goal with some nice hands around the net!