The American Hockey League kicks off on Friday, beginning another year of one of the most value-packed organizations in the sport.

According to the AHL, a total of 594 graduates – or about 83 percent – made NHL opening rosters this week. Of course, some will likely find their way back down at some point, but it truly is a great league to get an early look at the next crop of NHL talent. Some of the more notable graduates from 2023-24 include Dallas’ Logan Stankoven, Detroit’s Simon Edvinsson, Buffalo’s Jiri Kulich and Devon Levi, L.A.’s Brandt Clarke and Seattle’s Shane Wright.

This year’s crop is shaping up to be strong, too. Maybe not as deep as last year’s, but every fanbase will have at least a handful of players worth keeping a close eye on this year. Today, we’re looking at one player to watch on every single team. It doesn’t have to be the best player on the team – oftentimes, those are older players on AHL-only deals or someone whose NHL days are well behind them.

But with these 32, there’s a good reason to keep a close eye on them as the season progresses – including some who could become full-time NHLers in the near future:

Sep 24, 2024; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Jonathan Lekkerimaki (23) skates against the Seattle Kraken during the third period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images

Abbotsford Canucks (Vancouver Canucks): Jonathan Lekkerimäki, RW

Many wondered if Lekkerimäki was going to make the Canucks out of training camp – but the reality always was that it made the most sense for him to head to the AHL to start 2024-25. After boasting great numbers in Sweden, and winning MVP honors at the World Juniors, Lekkerimäki is ready to embark on a big first campaign in North America. He finished last season with Abbotsford and will get a chance to play a bigger, leading role this year before challenging for the NHL squad. I love this shot, especially the way he gets into open space. While he’s not a physical threat, he doesn’t shy away from board battles much anymore.

Bakersfield Condors (Edmonton Oilers): Max Wanner, RHD

It sounds like many within the Oilers organization really believe in Wanner. He’s primarily a shutdown defenseman, but scoring seven goals as a rookie who has never been too offensively inclined is quite solid. He’s big and mobile and has already played significant minutes despite being one of the youngest players on the Condors. Some even think he could step into some NHL games this year without being a liability. The fact many think he could go from being a seventh-rounder to an impact NHLer shows how far he has come in his development.

Belleville Senators (Ottawa Senators): Stephen Halliday, C

*Stephen Halliday (Steven Ellis/Daily Faceoff)*

If you haven’t followed Halliday’s career, it’s been an interesting one. He was one of the top prospects ahead of the 2018 OHL Draft, but elected to go the USHL route. Despite putting up decent numbers, he wasn’t selected in his draft year, and instead taken in his final year of eligibility in 2022 after a monster campaign with the Dubuque Fighting Saints. He followed that up with two fantastic years at Ohio State before turning pro at the end of his junior season. Halliday made a big impression immediately with Belleville, registering five assists in 10 regular season games before the club with nine points in seven postseason games. He’ll be counted on in a big way with Belleville in 2024-25 before making a run at an NHL spot next season.

Bridgeport Islanders (New York Islanders): Matthew Maggio, RW

Maggio surprised people with his development curve, putting up 54 goals and 111 points in his Draft+1 OHL season. He was selected as an overage player, but that was still a mega season that proved he was worth a late-round flier. His first year in the AHL, though, was a bit tough. He struggled to stay consistent and even missed time with a few minor injuries, but still finished with 15 goals as a rookie. Maggio’s ability to suddenly dominate a shift with flashes of offensive brilliance is promising, but he needs to be able to do it more often than he showed with Bridgeport last year. Let’s see what he can do this year.

Calgary Wranglers (Calgary Flames): Artem Grushnikov, LHD

If there’s one thing Grushnikov does well, it’s doing what he’s paid to do – playing defense. He has almost no real offensive potential, rarely registering more than a shot or two a game. But in his own zone, Grushnikov – acquired from Dallas last spring as part of the Chris Tanev deal – can get it done. He’s positionally sound, uses the body and moves with solid pace. But if you’re looking for an all-around guy, Grushnikov doesn’t get it done. At best, he looks like a bottom-pairing defenseman, but the Flames liked him enough to include him in the deal. Grushnikov had a good run with the Wranglers to close out 2023-24, but I’m hoping to see a bit more urgency with the puck this year.

Charlotte Checkers (Florida Panthers): Mike Benning, RHD

*Mike Benning (Steven Ellis/Daily Faceoff)*

After winning a national title with Denver in 2022, hopes were high for Benning once he eventually turned pro. I thought he had a great rookie campaign, scoring nine goals and 26 points in 72 games while seeing his ice time and responsibilities increase throughout the year. Benning loves the puck on his stick, and he makes excellent passing plays to create high-danger scoring chances consistently. I wouldn’t be surprised if he doubled his production as a sophomore with Charlotte because he has always been a play-driver, no matter the level. The concern attributed to a 5-foot-9 frame can’t be ignored, but there are a few scouts who think he’ll be one of just a handful of smaller defenders capable of outworking his petit frame.

Chicago Wolves (Carolina Hurricanes): Felix Unger Sörum, RW

FUS set to take on North America for the first time after an excellent season with Leksands in the SHL. He also looked great at the World Juniors and made his World Championship debut after a great string of games with the men’s senior team. Unger Sörum has developed his game to become such a force over the past year, with the playmaker being one of the better energy forwards from the 2023 draft class. If he doesn’t make it as a top-six player, he’ll be good enough to make himself valuable deeper in the lineup because he’s that versatile.

Cleveland Monsters (Columbus Blue Jackets): Denton Mateychuk, LHD

The Blue Jackets have a backlog on the point, resulting in Mateychuk getting some time in Cleveland. But many think that once Mateychuk gets a chance with the big club, he’s not going back to the AHL. Mateychuk had three 60-plus-point seasons in the WHL and was a dominant force en route to a WHL league title last year. The dynamic, skilled, two-way defender can do so much with the puck. His creativity, skill and mental makeup will take him a long way – although he could learn to be a bit more conservative when rushing the puck up at the ice.

Coachella Valley Firebirds (Seattle Kraken): Jagger Firkus, RW

*Jagger Firkus (Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports)*

People have doubted Firkus for most of his career. When he was drafted, the biggest concern was that he wasn’t physically strong enough. So far, that hasn’t slowed him down, leading the WHL in both regular season (126 points) and playoff points (32) with Moose Jaw last year. Firkus won his first WHL title and helped take the team to the Memorial Cup, only for the team to get knocked out before the final. Still, Firkus won CHL Player of the Year and top scorer honors and did just about everything possible to show he’s a lethal producer. Firkus is 5-foot-11 and listed at 161 pounds, so there’s still legitimate concern about what he’ll become at the next level. But I do expect him to challenge for AHL Rookie of the Year honors in 2024-25, and we’ll see what he can do from there.

Colorado Eagles (Colorado Avalanche): Oskar Olausson, LW

You can see the raw potential in Olausson’s game – he loves to attack the puck and get himself into scoring lanes. But the results just haven’t been there yet and I’m not convinced they will. Olausson was limited to just 39 games last year due to injury but he was at least more productive on a point-per-game basis despite putting up the exact same numbers. His wrist shot is still NHL-quality, but he needs to simplify his playmaking to get the most out of his linemates. The 2024-25 season will be make-it-or-break-it for a guy with clear talent.

Grand Rapids Griffins (Detroit Red Wings): Sebastian Cossa, G

Is Cossa the Red Wings’ goalie of the future? It sure looks like it. Last year was about taking a bigger step forward against tougher competition, and Cossa looked great with Grand Rapids. He’s set to return there for another year, where he’ll look to challenge for the AHL’s top goaltender award, and I wouldn’t bet against him. He’s huge at 6-foot-6 and moves incredibly well for his size while showing all the signs of being a future No. 1 NHL keeper. The Red Wings have a crowded goalie pipeline right now, so there’s no need to rush Cossa. That patience could pay off.

Hartford Wolf Pack (New York Rangers): Adam Sýkora, LW

*Adam Sykora (Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports)*

Sýkora had a solid first year in the American Hockey League, scoring eight goals and 23 points in 66 games as a 19-year-old AHL rookie. He has quite a bit of pro experience between playing in Slovakia and in the AHL, which makes him quite unique at his age. His work ethic is fantastic and he rarely loses 1-on-1 battles along the boards. This year will be all about watching Sýkora elevate his game offensively, given that instead of dominating against his own age group, he has often found himself playing deeper in lineups and developing quite the punishing physical game.

Henderson Silver Knights (Vegas Golden Knights): Matyas Sapovaliv, C

Sapovaliv won’t be a big-time producer in the NHL – but he’ll be a damn good middle-six threat. He’s someone whose game style I expect to fully transfer over to the AHL. That’s because he’s big, strong, and a perfect net front presence while being a decent two-way player. At 6-foot-4, his size is ideal for a middle-six power forward, and while he’s not going to go out there and just run people over, Sapovaliv is tough to overpower. His best offensive trait is his playmaking, finding and holding lanes while playing with a high level of patience.

Hershey Bears (Washington Capitals): Zac Funk, RW

The Bears have a few players who should see some NHL time this year – namely Ivan Miroshnichenko. But could Funk end up becoming found money for the Caps organization? After parts of five seasons in which he was an average producer at best, Funk had an outstanding overage year with 67 goals and 123 points in 68 games. It earned him an entry-level contract as an undrafted free agent, and now he’s looking like a key piece for the Bears’ attack this year. Hershey has won the past two championships and look ready to challenge for a third Calder Cup – could Funk be a major reason why they stay at the top?

Iowa Wild (Minnesota Wild): Carson Lambos, LHD

Lambos got his first taste of (meaningful) pro hockey last year, putting up 14 points and 64 penalty minutes in 69 games with Iowa. It was clear his competitive nature didn’t leave him when he graduated from the Winnipeg Ice, with Lambos playing around 18 minutes a night as a rookie while getting matched up against stronger, more experienced competition. This year will be another learning year for Lambos, when he’ll look to add a bit more offensive awareness and effectiveness.

Laval Rocket (Montreal Canadiens): Logan Mailloux, RHD

*Logan Mailloux (David Kirouac-Imagn Images)*

Sending Mailloux back to the Rocket was always the right move. He had a decent camp, but it’s clear he still needs to refine his defensive-zone play. Mailloux will get a chance to be a leader on the Rocket again after a tremendous first season in 2023-24. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound defender had a monster AHL rookie season, registering 47 points in 72 games before also getting a point in his first NHL game. He’s very difficult to contain because of his pure power and his confidence in carrying the puck, which is one of his best qualities. For now, he needs to work on being more defensively responsible while also limiting how many times he makes a bad read with and without the puck.

Lehigh Valley Phantoms (Philadelphia Flyers): Alexei Kolosov, G

It’s never a dull moment in Philly, and Kolosov was one of the hot topics all summer long. Kolosov is a smaller goalie at six-foot, but he’s so athletic and fluid and doesn’t overcommit often. Kolosov did a lot on a Dinamo Minsk team that struggled defensively and with two years as an undisputed starter, and another while splitting duties, he’s played quite a bit of pro hockey already. The NHL is a different beast, so it’ll take some time getting used to life in North America. That journey starts with Lehigh Valley, where he’ll have Cal Petersen breathing down his neck.

Manitoba Moose (Winnipeg Jets): Elias Salomonsson, RHD

After suffering an ankle injury with Skelleftea in 2022-23, Salomonsson came back with a vengeance and played easily the best hockey I’ve seen from him last year. He put up 11 points in 31 games, added a new physical element to his game that he didn’t show as an 18-year-old (although you could tell he was a tough customer), and then proceeded to help Sweden win bronze at the World Juniors. Salomonsson controls the puck so well and plays a calm, smart two-way game, with his skating being above average. I like that he never seemed intimidated in the SHL, playing more than 20 minutes a night down the stretch and through the playoffs for Skelleftea. Now, plenty of people will keep a close eye on the Swedish defender, with hopes of him pushing for an NHL spot in 2025-26.

Milwaukee Admirals (Nashville Predators): Joakim Kemell, RW

*Joakim Kemell (Steven Ellis/Daily Faceoff)*

Kemell had a fantastic first season in North America, scoring 16 goals and 41 points in 67 games as a key piece of the Admirals. Now heading into his second, 60 points feels like an attainable goal – plus a few outings with the big club. Kemell loves to shoot the puck, with the 2022 first-rounder being one of my favorite goal-scorers in his draft year. He anticipates open space well, which allows him to score from just about anywhere. Kemell still needs to work on his two-way game, but he’ll get plenty of time to improve in Milwaukee this year.

Ontario Reign (Los Angeles Kings): Erik Portillo, G

Portillo’s first year of pro hockey was impressive, posting a 24-11-3 record with two shutouts and a .918 save percentage. Heck, those were better numbers than his final year of college. Portillo then had some solid performances in the playoffs before Ontario was ultimately shunted. The Swedish keeper will have to compete with veteran Pheonix Copley for playing time, but Portillo is part of L.A.’s long-term plans, it seems. He’s 6-foot-6, athletic and very calm, so there’s a lot to like here – and it’s going to be fun seeing how he does in Year 2.

Providence Bruins (Boston Bruins): Fabian Lysell, RW

At some point, you want Lysell to take the next step forward. That’ll have to wait for now, as Lysell didn’t crack the main roster and instead will head back to Providence for a third season. He improved in the AHL last year, bouncing from 37 points as a rookie to 50 in 56 games last season. There’s still room for him to grow to be a more compelling point producer, especially as a player lacking pure muscle, but he needed a good sophomore campaign after his growing pains in 2022-23. At 21, I would have liked to see Lysell step into some NHL action by now, especially since he started in the AHL earlier than most. But there’s also no point in dumping a creative player like him in the bottom six and ruining his confidence when that’s so important for a high-risk, high-reward playmaker.

Rochester Americans (Buffalo Sabres): Konsta Helenius, C

*Konsta Helenius (Steven Ellis/Daily Faceoff)*

The Sabres hope Helenius finds some of the same success that Jiri Kulich did when he moved to North America for the first time a few years back. He’s coming off one of the most productive seasons ever by a U-18 player in the top Finnish league, and even represented Finland in senior men’s national team play. For a 5-foot-11 center, a lack of size hasn’t prevented Helenius from shining. He’s a battler who never gives up on a puck and plays with muscle. His hockey sense is among the leaders in this draft class, and he’s just so physically in tune with his own strengths. Helenius has a skill set, knows how to play to it, and uses it to overpower opponents, no matter their experience.

Rockford IceHogs (Chicago Blackhawks): Frank Nazar, C

There are so many good, exciting pieces to keep an eye on in Rockford. But the most intriguing is Nazar, who, after a great showing at the Tom Kurvers prospect tournament in September, had a much quieter preseason and was ultimately cut by the Hawks. Nazar missed most of the 2022-23 season due to injury but returned to become a point-per-game player with the Univ. of Michigan last year. Nazar then scored in his NHL debut in the spring, giving fans plenty of hope that he could potentially crack the opening night roster this year. The right path was always to send Nazar down to Rockford, get plenty of ice time and build out his frame a bit to make himself tougher to play against. Look for him to produce a ton of points with the IceHogs.

San Diego Gulls (Anaheim Ducks): Rodwin Dionicio, LHD

This is one to be really excited about. Dionicio had a massive year in the OHL, registering 25 goals and 73 points to go along with 108 penalty minutes between Windsor and Saginaw. He won the Memorial Cup after registering a point per game between the playoffs and the tournament itself. Dionicio was also one of the top defensemen at the World Juniors, although Switzerland was eliminated in the quarterfinal. An overage draft pick in 2023, Dionicio has come a long way already, and now he’s ready to show what he can do in San Diego after originally signing in Switzerland. Look for Dionicio to challenge for an NHL roster spot sooner rather than later.

San Jose Barracuda (San Jose Sharks): Kasper Halttunen, RW

*Kasper Halttunen (Steven Ellis/Daily Faceoff)*

Plenty of high-quality prospects are set to battle the Barracuda this year, so make sure to check them out when you can. But one player to keep a close eye on is Halttunen, who is set for his first full year of North American pro after helping London win the OHL title last year. There might not be a prospect who plays with as much force as him. He has one of the best shot releases outside of the NHL and makes it his mission to put players through the boards whenever possible. You combine all that and get an uber-competitive winger who will do whatever it takes to generate something offensively. The issue, though, comes in his own zone, and his skating isn’t good enough to be confident in his abilities beyond a power-play specialist. Some good development this year could help change that.

Springfield Thunderbirds (St. Louis Blues): Dalibor Dvorský, RW

Dvorský has a chance to be one of the top rookies in the AHL this year. He played with high quality teammates in Sudbury last year and finished with 45 goals and 88 points in just 52 games. But Dvorský did so much of the playdriving and was a big reason for the team’s success. The young Slovak forward has plenty of experience at center and the wing, so it’ll be intriguing to see where he lands. Dvorský struggled in his SHL debut last year before going to Sudbury, but he’s not lacking confidence or the drive to win right now.

Syracuse Crunch (Tampa Bay Lightning): Niko Huuhtanen, RW

The Bolts must have seen something in Huuhtanen, the last player taken in the 2021 NHL Draft. Since then, he has managed to put up 76 points in 100 Liiga games, which is incredible for someone his age. He also had three points in four Euro Hockey Tour games, but ultimately wasn’t named to the men’s World Championship roster. The fact he has managed to hit the ground running as a pro is a great sign, especially as a 6-foot-2, 200-pound forward who likes to muscle people out of the way. The biggest thing for Huuhtanen is he isn’t a quick skater, but he has enough qualities to suggest he’ll be a middle-six threat. Hopefully, though, the Crunch circle in on his footwork to make him a more effective all-around threat.

Texas Stars (Dallas Stars): Lian Bichsel, LHD

*Lian Bichsel (Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports)*

After starting the year with some decent showings during the NHL preseason, he began the season with Texas before returning to Sweden to finish the year. Now, he’s back to really take his game forward in Texas and potentially earn some NHL outings, too. We saw how physically dominant the 6-foot-6 defender could be when he was on his game last year. He’s also mobile and has good offensive instincts, although scoring will never be a big part of his game.

Toronto Marlies (Toronto Maple Leafs): Topi Niemelä, RHD

Now’s the time to shine for Niemelä, who was one of Toronto’s best players during the two-game prospect tourney in Montreal. He finished his first year with the Marlies last year and looked solid – but some scouts were hoping for a bit more. Luckily, as the season wore on, Niemelä’s confidence grew exponentially. He was the team’s go-to power-play D-man, something he wasn’t used to in Finland. But he didn’t fold under the extra responsibility, giving him some more oomph in his toolset. The one thing scouts have noted frequently is Niemelä’s work ethic. He’s always rushing around, pushing the envelope and fighting for the puck no matter what. Now, it’s about elevating everything just enough to potentially find himself in the NHL come 2025-26.

Tuscon Roadrunners (Utah Hockey Club): Owen Allard, LW

Allard impressed mightily at the 2024 Rookie Faceoff event and turned some heads during training camp. Allard might not be a big producer, but he can hit and hold his own in the defensive zone – much more than many others his age. He made Canada’s World Junior team as an undrafted overage prospect last year and performed better than expected. And that’s his thing – when you write Allard off, he seems to figure things out and take his game up another level. Allard knows his role, he plays to it, and thrives.

Utica Comets (New Jersey Devils): Chase Stillman, RW

Chase Stillman (Steven Ellis/Daily Faceoff)

Before suffering an injury in the final game, Stillman was New Jersey’s best player at the Buffalo Prospects Challenge. And that’s good, because he’ll be looking for a breakthrough season after a solid, but unspectacular rookie campaign. Stillman had 14 goals and 24 points in his first year with Utica while getting some valuable ice time in different facets of the game. He has struggled for consistency in his career – when he’s not on it, he’s invisible. But he does like to send players through the boards, and he’s a good skater, too. He’s got the tools to be a bottom-six NHLer, but we need to see him producing more to show he’s worthy of a step up. Hopefully, he will continue his trajectory and become something noteworthy for the Devils.

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (Pittsburgh Penguins): Owen Pickering, LHD

After starting the 2023-24 season on the sidelines with an injury, Pickering managed to finish with a new personal best of 46 points in 59 WHL games. He also took on more responsibility in his second year as Swift Current’s captain, refining his game at both ends of the ice. Pickering looked a lot more comfortable distributing the puck, although he’s still inconsistent and can be prone to bad giveaways. He’s a mobile, 6-foot-4 defender who needs to learn to make smarter decisions under pressure, but the Penguins coaching staff can work with him on that this year. Pickering should have little difficulty moving up to the pro game and excelling.

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