The AHL, or the American Hockey League, is a fascinating arena where the next big NHL stars are forged. This season, the league witnessed a myriad of players making their case for a shot in the big leagues. Among them, Jakob Pelletier, Alex Barré-Boulet, Arthur Kaliyev, Zachary Jones, and Michael DiPietro stand out for their outstanding performances. These players, once intriguing prospects, have now become the subject of scrutiny as fans wonder if they can translate their AHL success to the NHL.
Jakob Pelletier, a former first-round pick, led the league in scoring with 77 points in 63 games for the Syracuse Crunch. Despite his impressive performance, Pelletier struggled to find a meaningful role in the NHL, skating in just five games for Tampa Bay. His versatility, skill, and forechecking abilities make him a solid bottom-six player, and he'll be a name to watch in next season's camp.
Alex Barré-Boulet, an undrafted center, had a point-per-game pace in 70 games for the Colorado Eagles. He's no longer the once-exciting prospect, and his NHL future seems uncertain. Moving to San Jose, he'll benefit from the team's focus on playoff contention.
Arthur Kaliyev, a second-round pick, had a stellar season with 40 goals in 70 games for the Belleville Senators. He has the most NHL experience out of the group, with 204 games. However, his role in the NHL has gradually stalled, and he remains unsigned.
Zachary Jones, the league's top producer among defensemen, recorded 62 points in 60 games for the Rochester Americans. He has 115 NHL games under his belt, all as a Ranger. His smooth skating and puck-moving abilities make him a valuable piece, and he's likely to get into a single NHL game again in 2026-27.
Michael DiPietro, the AHL Goaltender of the Year, had an outstanding season with a .930 save percentage and 1.91 goals-against-average. He's been excellent year after year in the AHL but has yet to find a permanent spot in the NHL. With the door opening with Joonas Korpisalo's trade, DiPietro has a chance to hold down the backup job behind Jeremy Swayman and make a name for himself in the NHL.
These players, despite their varying levels of success, showcase the potential for AHL players to make a significant impact in the NHL. The AHL's new Collective Bargaining Agreement allows teams to dress six veterans without complications, recognizing the value these players bring to organizations. While some may never become full-time NHLers, their supporting roles are crucial, and the AHL continues to be a breeding ground for the next big stars in the NHL.
