The AHL, or the American Hockey League, is a fascinating arena where the next big NHL stars are forged. It's a league that often serves as a proving ground for young talent, and the 2025-26 season was no exception. Among the top point-getters, several players stood out, each with their own unique story and potential. Let's take a closer look at some of these players and the paths they might take in the upcoming season.
One name that immediately catches the eye is Jakob Pelletier. A former first-round draft pick, Pelletier has been a consistent performer in the AHL, and his 77 points in 63 games for the Syracuse Crunch were nothing short of impressive. However, his journey to the NHL has been a bit of a rollercoaster. Despite his talent, Pelletier has yet to secure a permanent spot in the NHL, and his time with the Tampa Bay Lightning was limited. With a new contract in place, Pelletier will be looking to make a statement in training camp, and while his top-six potential may be in question, he could still become a solid bottom-six player if he can stay healthy.
Another player who has been making waves in the AHL is Alex Barré-Boulet. After a strong showing with the Colorado Eagles, Barré-Boulet is now on the move to the San Jose Barracuda. While he may not be the prospect he once was, his production in the AHL is undeniable, and the Sharks will be hoping he can bring that production to their team. However, with the Sharks' focus on playoff contention, Barré-Boulet's future in the NHL remains uncertain.
Arthur Kaliyev, a second-round pick of the Los Angeles Kings, is another player who has been making waves. With 40 goals in 70 games, Kaliyev was the league's first 40-goal man since 2023-24. While his NHL role has been somewhat stagnant, Kaliyev remains unsigned and is likely to be a target for another team in the upcoming season. His size and skill make him a player to watch, and with the right opportunity, he could become a standout in the NHL.
Zachary Jones, the league's top producer among defensemen, is another player who has been making waves. With 52 assists and 62 points in 60 games for the Rochester Americans, Jones has the makings of a great piece for any team. While his size has held him back, he has the smooth skating and puck-moving abilities that are highly sought after in the NHL. With a new contract in place, Jones will be looking to make a statement in the upcoming season.
Finally, there's Michael DiPietro, the AHL Goaltender of the year. With an insane .930 save percentage and 1.91 goals-against-average, DiPietro has been a stalwart in the net for the Providence Bruins. While his NHL opportunities have been limited, DiPietro has been excellent year after year in the AHL, and with the right situation, he could become a standout in the NHL. With the door finally opening for him, DiPietro will be looking to make the most of his opportunity.
In conclusion, the AHL is a league full of potential, and the 2025-26 season was no exception. While some players may have more clear paths to the NHL than others, the league is full of talent, and the upcoming season will be an exciting one to watch. As for these players, only time will tell if they can make the leap to the NHL, but one thing is certain: they have the talent and determination to make it happen.
