This is the last edition before the AHL playoffs get into full swing. The youngest players in the AHL, like Ilya Protas, are leading the charge to the Calder Cup this year. This crop of top AHL prospects project to be relevant fantasy pieces in the deepest formats — and some even in the shallowest dynasty leagues. Let’s look back at some great years, some interesting starts, and the overall board.
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Jani Nyman, LW, 6-4 — 49 overall in 2022 (SEA)
Coachella — 21G, 12A, 38GP
The 2022 class is bringing the heat to the AHL. Nyman is a hulking sniper that is not afraid to throw his weight around. He has also made a habit out of wreaking havoc in the crease and tucking in the puck.
Seattle has one of the most exciting profiles in their stable. A power forward that thinks creatively to make himself an option, and capitalizes on those chances consistently. Next year, Nyman might just spend the entire season in the NHL, rather than splitting his time almost in half. At only 21, and not turning 22 until July, Nyman is one of the youngest players taken out of the 2022 class
If he’s available in your dynasty league, there is an effective middle six streamer for next year sitting on free agency. The following season he will likely be a boost to Seattle’s top six.
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Luca Del Bel Belluz, C, 6-1 — 44 overall in 2022 (CBJ)
Cleveland — 22G, 35A, 53GP
Another player that is expected to make the jump next season, Del Bel Belluz is a two-way centre that took a step offensively. This season he showed he can drive offense with his playmaking. His skating has not taken the necessary step to elevate his game to the NHL just yet, but a diligent offseason could change that.
What makes Del Bel Belluz a potential threat in the NHL is his tenacity, high IQ, mixed with his silky hands. These traits are not easily teachable and he has them in spades. He is worth adding into a deal if the owner has soured on him. The centre still projects as an effective role player at the NHL with untapped upside.
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Victor Eklund, LW, 5-11 — 16 overall in 2025 (NYI)
Bridgeport — 3G, 7A, 9GP
It is an exciting time to be an Eklund owner. The younger brother of William fell to the Islanders at 16 overall in 2025 – and he is already making NHL teams regret it. Eklund notched 24 points in the SHL before joining the Islanders’ AHL affiliate at the end of the year. He immediately put up multipoint games and was the best player on the ice.
Eklund is going to cement himself as a blue chip prospect in his first AHL season next year. He is cerebral, carries the bus at both ends of the ice with intensity and speed that is rare. The dynamo’s pace and vision are never far apart.
This is a prospect that you need to have on your radar. If your league is sleeping on him, snatch him up. Honestly, consider leveraging what you can to get him before next year begins.
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Ilya Protas, C/RW/LW, 6-5 — 75 overall in 2024 (WSH)
Hershey — 28G, 36A, 67GP
Speaking of blue chips – Protas has put his ballot in, and it has been signed, sealed, delivered. He has done things in the AHL at 19 that seasoned vets have not achieved, including a six-point night.
On top of that, Protas impressed even casual fans with his NHL debut. He is going to be making more appearances next season, but the Capitals are likely going to let him marinate in the AHL. If how he rose to the occasion when given the reins in the OHL is any indication – Protas is going to crush his sophomore season.
This is a must-own prospect. The Capitals are highly invested in Protas as a prospect, as he is projected to be a top six, maybe a top line player. His floor is considerably safer than most prospects with that level of a ceiling, given his work ethic on the ice and sheer size.
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Top AHL Prospects (covered so far):
This list will maintain the prospects covered in the Dobber Prospects monthly AHL updates. The player ranks will be based on fantasy upside and updated with every new article. Contract status and NHL team situation is considered.
- Nick Lardis
- Andrew Cristall
- Konsta Helenius
- Sebastian Cossa (G)
- Igor Chernyshov
- Gabe Perreault
- Dimitri Simashev (D)
- Ilya Protas
- Carter Yakemchuk (D)
- Victor Eklund
- Jacob Fowler (G)
- Bradley Nadeau
- Luca Cagnoni (D)
- Sergei Murashov (G)
- Matvei Gridin
- Isaac Howard
- Daniil But
- Jani Nyman
- Conor Geekie
- Felix Unger Sorum
- Ville Koivunen
- Luca Del Bel Belluz
- Adam Engstrom (D)
- Isak Rosen
- Ryan Ufko (D)
- Tyson Jugnauth (D)
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Final Thoughts
I will take this part of the article to thank you for reading these AHL monthlies. This concludes regular season coverage for 2025-26 and I am incredibly thankful to any of you regular readers. If you’ve enjoyed the coverage, say hi on socials, or check out my website. Do not sleep on the gems.
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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. You can find more of my work and my contact information on my website: ardenmcleod.ca