The AHL, the American Hockey League, is a fascinating breeding ground for future NHL stars. Each season, a select few players emerge from the ranks, showcasing their talent and potential to the world. This article delves into the stories of three such players who had outstanding 2025-26 campaigns in the AHL and what the future may hold for them.
Jakob Pelletier: The Versatile Skater
Jakob Pelletier, a former first-round pick of the Calgary Flames, is a prime example of a player who has yet to find his NHL home. In the 2025-26 season, he dominated the AHL, posting 49 assists and 77 points in 63 games for the Syracuse Crunch. His point streak of 19 consecutive games is a testament to his consistency and skill. However, Pelletier's journey to the NHL has been riddled with challenges. Despite his impressive performance, he only played in five games for the Tampa Bay Lightning, failing to make a significant impact. The team's injuries provided an opportunity, but it didn't materialize. Pelletier's versatility, skill, and forechecking abilities make him a valuable asset, and his 5'10" frame and skating abilities are areas of improvement. With a two-year contract in Tampa, he will be a key player to watch in the upcoming season, aiming to become a solid bottom-six forward.
Alex Barré-Boulet: The Undrafted Center
Alex Barré-Boulet, an undrafted center, had a point-per-game pace in 70 games for the Colorado Eagles, showcasing his exceptional talent. This performance marks his second-best AHL season after an impressive 84 points in 2022-23 with the Crunch. Barré-Boulet's journey to the NHL has been less successful, with only two games played for the Colorado Avalanche, where he recorded an assist. At 29 years old, he is no longer the exciting prospect he once was, and a full-time NHL career seems unlikely. The San Jose Sharks, his new team, are focused on playoff contention, and Barré-Boulet will likely continue his high production with the Barracuda, benefiting from their promising prospects.
Arthur Kaliyev: The Goal-Scoring Defenseman
Arthur Kaliyev, a second-round pick of the Los Angeles Kings, stands out as the league's top goal-scoring defenseman, with 40 goals in 70 games, shooting 15%. His NHL experience is more extensive than the others, with 204 games played. Kaliyev's NHL role has been a challenge, as he has struggled to round out his game. After a brief stint with the New York Rangers, he signed a one-year, two-way deal with the Ottawa Senators, but his impact was minimal, skating in just two games. Kaliyev's future remains uncertain, with no contract signed, and a PTO offer seems likely. His size and skill make him a valuable asset, and a new team may take a chance on him for the 2026-27 season.
Zachary Jones: The Smooth-Skating Defenseman
Zachary Jones, a 5'11" left-handed defenseman, had an outstanding season with 52 assists and 62 points in 60 games for the Rochester Americans. With 115 NHL games under his belt, all as a New York Ranger, Jones has the experience to make an impact. However, his path to the NHL is not clear, as the Buffalo Sabres have a loaded defense core. Signing with the Utah Hockey Club for two years, Jones will likely play a supporting role, but his smooth skating and puck-moving abilities make him a valuable addition. With a strong performance, he could secure a spot in the NHL, especially alongside Maveric Lamoureux.
Michael DiPietro: The AHL's MVP
Michael DiPietro, the AHL's Goaltender of the Year and Most Valuable Player, has been a consistent performer in the AHL. Despite his impressive statistics, including a .930 save percentage and 1.91 goals-against-average, he has only played four NHL games. DiPietro's journey to the NHL has been challenging, and his future remains uncertain. With the Boston Bruins' backup job open after Joonas Korpisalo's trade, DiPietro has a chance to shine. His patience and excellent performance in the AHL make him a strong candidate to make a name for himself in the NHL, especially with the emergence of Brandon Bussi. The AHL's new Collective Bargaining Agreement allows teams to dress six veterans, recognizing their value to the organization, even if they don't become full-time NHL players.
In conclusion, the AHL continues to be a launching pad for NHL talent, and these three players are prime examples of its potential. Their stories showcase the challenges and opportunities that come with the journey to the NHL, and their future success will be a fascinating tale to follow.
