October is an exciting time for rookies in the AHL. They will be hitting the ice for a full pro season in North America for the first time, and they will be the focus of this article. There is a lot of budding talent turning pro this year. Every NHL team — and many NHL fans — will be paying close attention to these five first-year pros in the AHL.

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Andrew Cristall, 5-10, LW (WSH), 40th Overall in 2023

2024-25: 57GP, 48G, 84A (WHL)

The traits, the intelligence — they are an elite combination. Cristall’s puckhandling is as dynamic as his creativity. Despite not being the most agile skater, Cristall uses deception constantly to carve out space — while staying steps ahead of the play mentally. His skating has improved modestly, and it may even contribute to the high-level vision and pace that oozes from him. 

Coming off a 132-point season, he will be given every opportunity to succeed with the Hershey Bears, playing on their top line and PP unit. Playing against professional men is a chance for Cristall to demonstrate the adaptability he has shown since his draft year. If he blows the doors off this season, Washington will likely be ringing him for a stint in the big show. There will be a lot of NHL teams regretting passing up on Cristall — more than they already do. 

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Igor Chernyshov, 6-3, LW/RW (SJS), 33rd Overall in 2024

2024-25: 23GP, 19G, 36A (OHL)

A similar tale with Chernyshov. Drafted with the first pick of the second round in 2024, he has since exploded in the OHL. Chernyshov was drafted out of Russia and took his game to North America. He immediately jumped off the scoresheet, racking up 55 points in 23 games. Along with a powerful 6-3 frame that he tends to assert, Chernyshov is a powerful skater. His edgework combined with excellent puck skills makes him a threat in every spot on the ice — especially in front of the net. 

Chernyshov joins a stacked AHL team for the Barracuda this year, with the likes of Musty, Halttunen, and Lund leading the charge. He should bring an element that is missing from the youth movement in San Jose — a gritty, physical presence that can elevate talent around him. I would not expect a call-up soon, but the buzz around this name should continue to grow louder. Chernyshov is a gem worth stashing in banger leagues.

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Gabe Perreault, 5-11, RW (NYR), 23 Overall in 2023

2024-25: 37GP, 16G, 32A (NCAA)

The name of Perreault’s game is playmaking. He has exceptional offensive-driving abilities and an intense pace that he commits to at all times. After dominating the NCAA post-draft — capping it off with a 48-point season — Perreault will be integral to the Rangers’ AHL team. 

New York is in an interesting spot. They have faltered out of the gate, and their bottom six is severely lacking. There is a lot of room for the youth to begin establishing themselves. Conor Sheary currently holds a third-line wing spot, which could easily be taken by a hot Perreault. This is a prospect worth keeping on your radar. He has spent years playing against men in the NCAA, and if he transitions to the pro game with ease, he could be a positive piece for the Rangers’ NHL roster. 

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Jacob Fowler, 6-2, G (MTL), 69th overall in 2023

2024-25: 35GP, 1.63GAA, .940 S%, 25W (NCAA)

It is very rare to see a GAA below 2 in any league — let alone the NCAA. Fowler started 35 times last season, winning 25 games and locking in a blistering hot .940 save percentage. That means Fowler only allowed goals on 6% of the shots he faced in his D+2 season as an NCAA starter. 

His move to the AHL this season is going to be watched by every fan in Montreal. The goalie situation has stability, but long term it still hinges on Fowler’s development. If he becomes the NHL starter he projects to be, the Habs will be in the mix for a deep playoff run sooner than later. Expect Fowler to get the reins in the AHL, he is my dark horse for AHL rookie of the year. 

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Radim Mrtka, 6-6, D (BUF), 9th overall in 2025

2024-25: 43GP, 3G, 32A (WHL)

What a couple of years for Mrtka. He played his D-1 season in Czechia’s junior system, with three appearances in their top pro league. After 10 games in Czechia’s pro league in 2024–25, Mrtka joined the WHL. His stock soon soared. He entered that season as a prospect projected to go in the early rounds, due to his 6-6 frame and right-hand shot. But after joining the WHL, he showed there was untapped offensive ceiling — racking up 35 points in 43 games.

Since Mrtka played in Europe before being drafted, he can play his D+1 year in the AHL. If the Buffalo Sabres decide to keep him there all year, his stock might continue to rise. Mrtka showed his adaptability when he seamlessly moved to North America mid-season, and I would not bet against the kid. He has great mobility for any defenseman — and he is 6-6. Mrtka projects as a top-pairing offensive defenseman with two-way chops at his ceiling. At the low end, he still projects as a top-four NHL defender — absolutely worth stashing as his development takes an early step. 

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Thank you for reading this article on AHL prospects. I’m Arden — a Vancouver-based Online Journalism and Broadcasting student with a passion for community storytelling, hockey, and photography. Find my work here: https://linktr.ee/ardenmcleod
Twitter: @HockeyArden