AHL TARGETS (PACIFIC DIVISION)

7 years ago

We are just over a month away from the NHL trade deadline, and each year leading up to it I do a five-part series featuring some of the AHL names who could be in play. Identifying players of interest in the minors who are close to
NHL-ready—but may be blocked currently—gives us another angle as we
approach the trade deadline (and summer). Note: With Edmonton as a buyer, the players listed may not be as attractive at this time, but it is still a good idea to keep track of youngsters bubbling just under the NHL. Here is a team-by-team look,
beginning with the Pacific Division. (Photos by Mark Williams, all rights reserved)

Pacific Division Look Last Year

Source

Brandon Montour

ANAHEIM (SAN DIEGO GULLS)

RD Brandon Montour. The Ducks are loaded with young defenseman, and Montour is a strong fit for Edmonton in terms of need. Montour is a mobile righty with a substantial shot. Chaos defensively but if he is available, Edmonton should be interested.
R Stefan Noesen. Regarded as a
substantial offensive prospect, he suffered a torn ACL and MCL in 2013. Noesen is not among the top prospects for Anaheim, but his size and skill and that could have some appeal. (Note: Lost to waivers on Wednesday).
C-L Kalle Kossila. Finesse forward from France via St. Cloud State. He is showing well (age 23) in his first full AHL season and may have a career based on early returns.

ARIZONA (TUCSON ROADRUNNERS)

RD Kyle Wood. Giant defender (6.05, 223) with a big shot. Is scoring well (36gp, 8-22-30) in Tucson but is a real adventure without the puck.
LC Laurent Dauphin. Two-way center with enough offense to project as a support player on an offensive line or a quality checker. Slightly undersized, has some NHL time in each of the last two seasons.
L Michael Bunting. A personal favorite, Bunting has good speed and two-way acumen. Likely won’t score enough for skill line duty, he is a good young player.

CALGARY (STOCKTON HEAT)

L Hunter Shinkaruk. Having a nice season (this is his third in the AHL) and is probably ready for NHL time. Left wing, a position of strength this time a year ago in Edmonton, is no longer as strong.
L Andrew Mangiapane. A brilliant offensive prospect, undersized but quality. Has 23 points in his first 34 AHL games and one doubts Calgary has any plans to move him. Still, he would be a nice get.

COLORADO (SAN ANTONIO RAMPAGE)

L J.T. Compher. Has some agitating elements to his game but is also skilled (28gp, 10-11-21 in the AHL this season) to project as a future NHL role player.
L A.J. Greer. Huge forward with speed, scoring at a very good clip with San Antonio compared to his own past. Intriguing player.

DALLAS (TEXAS STARS)

L Remi Elie. Former teammate of Connor McDavid with the Erie Otters, he is a big winger with talent. His adjustment to pro hockey has been slow, but he fits the Oilers current forward template.
R Julius Honka. Likely already gone as an available prospect, the Stars are producing a lot of defenders now, so I will include him. Righty blue, talented puck mover, undersized.

EDMONTON (BAKERSFIELD CONDORS)

L Jujhar Khaira. Big winger can also play center. Skilled enough to project onto a support role at the NHL level and could be a plug and play for a team like Colorado.
R Anton Slepyshev. He has size and speed, plus some skill. Slepyshev, like many on this list, in ineligible for the expansion draft, and that may give him extra trade value at the deadline.

LOS ANGELES (ONTARIO REIGN)

R Jonny Brodzinski. Young (23) winger has a quick release and that alone makes him a player of interest. Had 15 goals in 65 games as an AHL rookie last year, and has 13 in 36 this season.
R Justin Auger. A giant winger (6.07, 229) who has been making slow and steady progress. He is posting the same offense in year three at the AHL level, so may be more available than in the past.

SAN JOSE (SAN JOSE BARRACUDA)

RD Julius Bergman. Impressive defenseman with size and a nice range of skills, he has improved in year two at the AHL level. Would be a nice addition to the Oilers group of emerging defenders.
C-L Danny O’Regan. Undersized forward with a lot of skill, he is playing well in the AHL currently and projects as a solid prospect. The Sharks have so much depth up front, this player might be available if there is a need at another position.

Up next: The North Division.