The AHL, or the American Hockey League, is a fascinating arena where the next big NHL stars are forged. It's a league that often serves as a launching pad for players who dream of making it to the big leagues. This season, several players have stood out, not just for their numbers, but for the potential they bring to the NHL. Let's take a closer look at some of these players and what their futures might hold.
Jakob Pelletier: The Unfulfilled Potential
One of the most intriguing players on this list is Jakob Pelletier. A former first-round draft pick, Pelletier has been a consistent performer in the AHL, with 77 points in 63 games this season. What makes his story particularly fascinating is the opportunity he missed. With Tampa Bay's injuries, Pelletier had a chance to step into a meaningful role, but it didn't materialize. Despite this, he remains a versatile and skilled player, and his future looks bright. In my opinion, Pelletier could become a solid bottom-six player if he can stay healthy and continue to develop his game.
Alex Barré-Boulet: The Underrated Center
Another player who has been consistent in the AHL is Alex Barré-Boulet. With 70 points in 70 games, he's a point-per-game performer. While he's no longer the exciting prospect he once was, Barré-Boulet has the potential to be a valuable depth player in the NHL. His move to San Jose this off-season could be a turning point, as the Sharks look to add production to their lineup. From my perspective, Barré-Boulet's high production in the AHL makes him a strong candidate to benefit from the Sharks' focus on playoff contention.
Arthur Kaliyev: The NHL Veteran
Arthur Kaliyev is the most experienced player on this list, with 204 NHL games under his belt. Despite his impressive scoring numbers in the OHL, Kaliyev's NHL role has been somewhat stagnant. After a brief stint with the Rangers, Ottawa sought him out, but he struggled to make an impact. At 25, Kaliyev remains unsigned, and it's possible that another team will take a flyer on him for the 2026-27 season. In my opinion, Kaliyev's NHL experience and scoring ability make him a strong candidate for a supporting role in the NHL.
Zachary Jones: The Smooth-Skating Defenseman
Zachary Jones stands out as the league's top producer among defensemen, with 62 points in 60 games. His smooth skating and puck-moving abilities make him a valuable asset, and his size has held him back in the NHL. Signing with Utah for two years, Jones could be a key piece for the Mammoth, especially if he can get into a single NHL game again. In my opinion, Jones has the makings of a great piece alongside Maveric Lamoureux for the Tucson Roadrunners, and it would be a shock if he's unable to get into a single NHL game again in 2026-27.
Michael DiPietro: The Unlikely NHL Backup
Finally, Michael DiPietro, the AHL Goaltender of the year, has been a consistent performer in the AHL. Despite having just four NHL games to his name, DiPietro has the potential to be a great success story. With the door opening with Joonas Korpisalo's trade, DiPietro could hold down the backup job behind Jeremy Swayman. In my opinion, DiPietro's performance in the AHL and his potential to become an NHL backup make him a strong candidate for a supporting role in the NHL.
While any player on this list would dream of becoming the next Brandon Bussi or Yanni Gourde, the AHL offers a wealth of opportunities for supporting roles. The league's new Collective Bargaining Agreement allows teams to dress six veterans without dealing with the complications of counting games of an 'exempt' player, and in a way, it's a nod to the league's top players who offer significant organizational value, even if they never become a full-time NHLer. In my opinion, the AHL is a crucial stepping stone for players who dream of making it to the big leagues, and it's fascinating to see the potential that these players bring to the NHL.
