AHL Prospects Update: Early Performers

AHL prospects were highlighted early last week in our weekend round-up for players looking for an NHL opportunity. Another week of AHL action has now passed, and most teams are starting to approach the 10-game mark.

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Most/If not all the names listed below are AHL prospects likely to see some time in the NHL this season:

Joe Whitney, Bridgeport Sound Tigers (New York Islanders)

Signed on July 2nd, 2015 by New York after spending a few seasons in New Jersey’s minor league system with AHL Albany. In 2014-15, He appeared in 66 games, scoring 60 points while only appearing in four games for New Jersey, recording one goal.

2015-16: 11 points in eight games

Alexander Khokhlachev, Providence Bruins (Boston Bruins)

Featured in last week’s article, Khokhlachev continues to fill the score sheet for the baby Bruins. Boston is starting to string together more wins and better play, but you can only contain this young man in the minors for so long before hurting his development. The time to call him up is now.

2015-16: 11 points in seven games

Sep 22, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins left wing Frank Vatrano (72) looks at the puck in mid air during the third period against the Washington Capitals at TD Garden. The Boston Bruins won 2-1 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Frank Vatrano, Providence Bruins (Boston Bruins)

Signed as college free-agent out of UMass-Amherst back in March 2015, Vatrano appeared in five games scoring one goal with Providence to end 2014-15. He’s 21, standing 5’10 215lbs left-handed forward.

2015-16: 10 points in seven games

Devin Shore, Texas Stars (Dallas Stars)

Taken in 2nd round at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, Shore is entering his rookie season in the AHL after playing three years at University of Maine, with a short-stint in Texas at the end of 2014-15. He had six points in 19 games for Texas in his short appearance.

2015-16: nine points in seven games

Bud Holloway, St.John’s IceCaps (Montreal Canadiens)

Originally drafted back in 2006 by Los Angeles, Holloway eventually ended up over in Europe for four years before being signed by Montreal in the offseason. He’s 27 years old now, but making his impact felt early with St.John’s

2015-16: 10 points in eight games

Sep 25, 2014; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens right wing Christian Thomas (60) waves to the crowd as he is named third star of the game against Colorado Avalanche at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

Christian Thomas, St.John’s IceCaps (Montreal Canadiens)

Drafted back in 2010 by New York Rangers, he was eventually traded to Montreal in 2013. He’s got three years of pro experience, and appeared in 18 games for Montreal in 2014-15, only scoring one goal.

2015-16: nine points in eight games

Danny Kristo, Chicago Wolves (St.Louis Blues)

Originally drafted in the 2nd round by Montreal back in 2008, Kristo was traded to New York in 2013 after completing four years at University of North Dakota. He spent the last couple seasons with AHL Hartford, and has yet to make his NHL debut.

2015-16: eight points in five games

Goaltending Prospects

Magnus Hellberg, Hartford Wolf Pack (New York Rangers)
2014-15: AHL Milwaukee 15-10-6 2.33 GAA and .913 save percentage
2015-16: AHL Hartford 6gp 4-1-1 2.15 GAA .934 save percentage

Matt Murray, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (Pittsburgh Penguins)
2014-15: AHL W-B/Scr 25-10-3 1.58 GAA .941 save percentage
2015-16: AHL W-B/Scr 4-1-0 1.99 GAA .940 save percentage

Connor Hellebuyck, Manitoba Moose (Winnipeg Jets)
2014-15: AHL St.John’s 28-22-5 2.58 GAA .921 save percentage
2015-16: AHL Manitoba 0-3-1 2.45 GAA .927 save percentage

Laurent Brossoit, Bakersfield Condors (Edmonton Oilers)
2014-15: AHL Oklahoma City 25-22-4 2.56 GAA .918 save percentage
2015-16: AHL Bakersfield 2-1-1 2.45 GAA .926 save percentage

Honorable Mentions:

G Calvin Pickard – San Antonio, G John Gibson – San Diego, F Charles Hudon – St.John’s, F Andrew Agozzino – San Antonio, F Dominik Simon – Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, F William Nylander – Toronto, D Trevor Carrick – Charlotte, F Jakub Vrana – Hershey

Next: Anaheim Ducks Goal-Scoring Struggles

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