AHL TARGETS (ATLANTIC DIVISION)

8 years ago

Our final stop along the AHL trail is the Atlantic Division. Eight teams deep with many Stanley Cup contenders, this could be the lushest area of the AHL for a team trying to procure emerging talent.

PREVIOUSLY…

Last year’s looks:

Atlantic Division (mentions Colin Miller and Jordan Weal)
East Division (many interesting players a year ago)
North Division (Grigorenko and a couple others moved)
West Division (Marincin)
Northeast Division (Reinhart, Dano)
Midwest Division (Danault, Sproul)

ARIZONA (SPRINGFIELD FALCONS)

R Henrik Samuelsson. Big winger familiar to Oilers fans for his fine work with the Edmonton Oil Kings in their championship seasons. Has a range of skills and can play any forward position.
D Phillip Samuelsson. Shutdown defender with some experience, at 24 still young enough to have a career.

BOSTON (PROVIDENCE BRUINS)

C Alexander Khokhlachev: Undersized skill forward who is a fine playmaker. He is not a great player away from the puck and that has stalled him in the Bruins system. Consistent offensive performer in the AHL, no points in nine NHL games—making him (possibly) the modern Guyle Fielder.
R Seth Griffith. Unusual player, as he is small and lacks top-end speed but remains a prospect of note. Why? Great hands. He is 23, has 51 points in 40 games and badly needs an expansion draft.

FLORIDA (PORTLAND PIRATES)

R Rocco Grimaldi. Very small forward who is something of a buzzsaw, Grimaldi is in year two of his pro career and is running in place a little. That might make him available.

PITTSBURGH (SWB PENGUINS)

L Conor Sheary. Small skill winger has seen a lot of time in the NHL this year (22, 3-1-4) and is an impact player in the AHL.
L Scott Wilson. Another small winger, more than a point-per-game in the AHL and 12gp, 0-1-1 in the NHL. Similar players.

WASHINGTON (HERSHEY BEARS)

D Connor Carrick. Impressive offensive defender who plays with an edge. Has some NHL experience, could be available because the Caps have to be loading up for a long run.

NY ISLANDERS (BRIDGEPORT SOUND TIGERS)

C Alan Quine. Impressive offensive prospect with a reputation for not minding his own end. He has been a very good offensive player in the AHL for coming on two seasons now.
D Scott Mayfield. Massive defenseman (6.05, 218), doesn’t bring a lot of offense but does have shutdown potential. Righty.
D Ryan Pulock. Huge point shot makes this righty defender an attractive option for a team like Edmonton. Skating an issue.

NY RANGERS (HARTFORD WOLF PACK)

G Magnus Hellberg. Acquired from the Nashville hit factory for goalies, the 24-year-old Swede looks good. The Rangers appear set at the position so Hellberg could be available.
R Nicklas Jensen. Acquired from the Vancouver Canucks last month, he caught fire a little and could still have a career (he is 22). He has size, speed and skill. Under the radar player might be worth the investment.

PHILADELPHIA (LEHIGH VALLEY PHANTOMS)

L Taylor Leier. Small winger (there is a trend in this division) who has great speed and is showing enough offense to be considered a legit prospect.
R Peter Straka. A bigger winger with some offense, he comes with something of a two-way reputation.
C Cole Bardreau. Agitating center with some offensive talent. 29, 7-10-17 this season.