The American Hockey League (AHL) is a fascinating breeding ground for future NHL stars, and the 2025-26 season was no exception. This article delves into the stories of some of the top performers, exploring their journeys and what the future may hold.
Jakob Pelletier: The Unfulfilled Promise
One of the most intriguing prospects is Jakob Pelletier, a former first-round pick (Calgary, 26th overall, 2019) who is still searching for a home at the NHL level. In the AHL, Pelletier shone with 49 assists and 77 points in 63 games for the Syracuse Crunch, setting a franchise record with 19 consecutive games with a point. However, his NHL journey has been challenging. Despite the Bolts' injuries, Pelletier struggled to secure a meaningful role, playing just five games and going scoreless. With a two-year contract in Tampa, he'll be a key player to watch in next season's camp, aiming to become a solid bottom-six forward if he can stay healthy.
Alex Barré-Boulet: The Declining Prospect
Another familiar name to Tampa fans is Alex Barré-Boulet, who had a point-per-game pace in 70 games for the Colorado Eagles. This was his second-best AHL season after an impressive 84 points in 2022-23 with the Crunch. Barré-Boulet, an undrafted center, has only played two games for the Avs, recording an assist. At 29, he's no longer the exciting prospect he once was, and a full-time NHL career seems unlikely. His move to San Jose this off-season on a two-year, two-way deal may provide an opportunity, but the Sharks' focus on playoff contention could limit his playing time.
Arthur Kaliyev: The NHL Veteran
Arthur Kaliyev, a second-round pick of the Kings in 2019, stands out with 40 goals in 70 games for the Belleville Senators, shooting 15%. He's the league's first 40-goal man since 2023-24. Kaliyev has the most NHL experience on this list, with 204 games, including 14 tallies in his first full-time NHL season before turning 21. However, his NHL role has stagnated, and after a brief stint with the Rangers, he signed a one-year, two-way deal with Ottawa. With just two games played and an assist, his future remains uncertain, and another team may take a flyer on him for the 2026-27 season.
Zachary Jones: The Smooth-Skating Defenceman
Zachary Jones, the league's top producer among defensemen, recorded 52 assists and 62 points in 60 games for the Rochester Americans (Buffalo). The 5'11" left-handed shot has 115 NHL games under his belt, all as a Ranger after being selected in the third round of the 2019 draft. Despite his talent, Jones never got a chance in Buffalo due to their loaded defense core. Signing with Utah for two years, he'll likely be a key player for the Mammoth, and his smooth skating and puck-moving abilities make him a valuable addition to the Tucson Roadrunners.
Michael DiPietro: The AHL's MVP
Michael DiPietro, the AHL Goaltender of the Year and Most Valuable Player, has been a consistent performer in the AHL. The 27-year-old has just four NHL games to his name, but his efforts in the AHL have been exceptional. With a .930 save percentage, 1.91 goals-against-average, and 34-8-1 record, DiPietro led Providence to the league's best record. With Joonas Korpisalo traded away, DiPietro has a chance to secure the backup job behind Jeremy Swayman in Boston. His patience and performance make him a strong candidate to make a name in the NHL, and Boston is likely hesitant to risk losing him.
The Future of the AHL
The AHL's new Collective Bargaining Agreement allows teams to dress six veterans without the complications of counting games for 'exempt' players. This is a nod to the league's top players who offer significant organizational value, even if they never become full-time NHLers. While the dream of becoming the next Brandon Bussi or Yanni Gourde is appealing, the AHL provides a platform for supporting roles that can be filled by players like those mentioned above. The future of these players remains uncertain, but their journeys in the AHL showcase the league's potential to develop talent and provide opportunities for those who persevere.
