Prospects in the AHL are giving hockey fans a lot to be excited about. The number of rookies and young players making noise this season is unlike anything in recent memory. This report highlights a few of the loudest prospects in the league. Many others could have made the list, and they will be featured in the coming months if they keep up this pace. A couple of honourable mentions are included as well.

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Risers

Daniil But, UTA, LW

7 G, 6 A, 12 GP

No one is doubting the 12th-overall selection by Utah — formerly Arizona — in 2023. Daniil But clocks in at 216 pounds and uses every ounce of his 6-6 frame to shoot the puck. At the pro level he has already asserted himself with 28 points in 54 KHL games, but he is taking a step all around this year. His awareness is no longer limited to the offensive end, and he is leveraging his length and weight defensively.

This forming habit often gives But possession in situations where there are few better shooters in the AHL right now. If But is available in your league, why are you still here? Go claim the monster.

Ryan Ufko, NSH, RHD

4 G, 8 A, 10 GP

Ufko is playing like he has more to prove than anyone in the league. In his second full AHL season, he is among the leading scorers as a defenseman.

His goal-scoring pace of 0.4 per game will slow, but Ufko is set to build on a rookie season that saw him record 30 points. Ufko has far outperformed the highest-pedigree defenseman in the Predators system, Tanner Molendyk, and should be the first high-end defensive prospect to secure an NHL job. He is absolutely worth an add-and-stash in any reasonably deep dynasty league.

Matvei Gridin, CGY, LW/RW

4 G, 7 A, 12 GP

Even in Gridin’s draft year he torched the USHL. He then switched leagues to the QMJHL and obliterated the season with 79 points in 56 games. Now Gridin is onto his third league in three years — and he is making a name for himself quickly. He plays an all-around game that endears coaches, balancing his offensive driving ability with an ability to dictate defensive play.

Gridin is showing that his playmaking continues to improve east–west, while his footspeed has picked up considerably since his draft year. If the Flames called him up tomorrow, he would be a positive addition. However, he is likely to marinate in the AHL during their youth movement. Do not hesitate to add Gridin if he receives an NHL opportunity this season.

Gabe Perreault, NYR, LW/RW

5 G, 5 A, 9 GP

After lighting the NCAA on fire, Perreault still had to prove he could torch pro competition. So far this season he is throwing his best heat with five goals in nine games. His shot was rarely in question, but there were concerns about his ability to control pace in a harder, faster league.

Perreault is pushing the pace. He is unafraid to show the dynamism that made him a lethal threat in college. There is work to do on the defensive end before he gets a shot with the big club, but it will not take long.

Sergei Murashov, PIT, G

5 W, 2 L, 7 GP — 1.73 GAA, .931 SV%

After being drafted, Murashov proved he was too good for Russia’s minor leagues. He joined the AHL for 12 games in his D+3 season, splitting the year with 26 ECHL games. In both professional North American leagues he played well with a starter’s workload.

Now Murashov is locking the crease down with a sub-two goals-against average and a 0.931 save percentage. If he is available even in a shallow dynasty league, add him immediately.

Honourable Mentions

H. Brzustewicz, CGY, D

C. Kyrou, PHI, D

N. Lardis, CHI, F

J. Firkus, SEA, F

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Fallers

Owen Beck, MTL, C

2 G, 2 A, 12 GP

Last season Beck jumped into the AHL and made a splash with 44 points in 64 games — an impressive feat for a rookie out of the OHL.

The 2022 33rd-overall pick has an undoubtable NHL toolkit, and his defensive acumen would be valuable in any bottom six. What remains uncertain is his offensive upside. While the last two seasons showed promise, this year will be a key indicator of his trajectory.

Lenni Hämeenaho, NJD, RW

1 G, 0 A, 10 GP

After tearing up Liiga for two years, Hämeenaho is struggling to adjust to the AHL. One goal in ten games would be disappointing for any rookie forward, let alone one who scored 20 goals in a top European pro league.

Alarm bells should not be ringing — just take caution. European prospects who spend time in pro leagues overseas often need time to adjust to the North American game. This could be the ideal time to buy low on the Finnish hound.

Matthew Poitras, BOS, C

1 G, 6 A, 12 GP

Poitras’ slow start is not entirely concerning, but it is worth monitoring. Seven points through his first twelve games is far off his point-per-game pace after being demoted to the AHL last year.

Poitras was expected to push for an NHL job in training camp, and the Bruins felt he needed more seasoning. It seems they were correct. He has not lost his tenacious edge or reliable two-way game — but his ability to make an offensive impact in an NHL top six is something to question.

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Final Thoughts

What an incredible year to be a hockey fan — especially if your favourite NHL team leaves something to be desired on the ice. Go out and see these kids in person. Concession is more affordable, just like the tickets.

Looking ahead to next month, I will pay close attention to a few players who could not be included in this article. Some are currently in the NHL, and others I simply need to see more of. Since you are here, you can be in early: Luca Cagnoni, Bradley Nadeau, Nate Danielson, Isak Rosen, Felix Unger Sorum.

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Thank you for reading this article on AHL prospects. I am 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