Radim Mrtka, Tom Willander and 16 prospects to watch in the AHL this season

The AHL season is scheduled to begin on Friday. The early part of the season is always a little unique in that we're about to find out when and which players will be drafted by AHL clubs, but we're already starting to get a feel for what's going on.

With the season right around the corner, I thought we'd take a look at some of the new faces we're looking forward to seeing around the league. Many of the prospects on the AHL team will be important future assets for their parent NHL team. Here are some players who will spend the majority of their first season in the AHL.

Radim Mrtka, D, Rochester Americans (BUF)

The Sabers have several options on what to do with Murteka, who was drafted ninth overall last June. He remains youth-level eligible and could be sent to the WHL's Seattle Thunderbirds, where he finished last season. But the Sabers seem to want him to at least start in Rochester. Mrtka is a 6-foot-6 right-shooting guard with some limited professional experience in the Czech Republic. We'll have to wait and see if Mrtka stays in Rochester, but he's an exciting talent with a huge ceiling and it'll be interesting to see if he stays in the AHL.

Tom Willander, D, Abbotsford Canucks (VAN)

After last offseason's “will he, won't he” saga, Verlander signed with the Canucks after spending two NCAA seasons at Boston College. The 20-year-old Swede was drafted 11th overall in 2023 and looks poised to make an impact in his first year for the defending Calder Cup champions. Verlander is a strong two-way player with excellent mobility and a high hockey IQ. He played for the Swedish senior national team last year, so at least he got a taste of professional-level hockey. A two-time World Junior player and a member of last year's NCAA Frozen Four, he has never backed down from the spotlight. Canucks fans will be watching him even more closely this season.

Oliver Moore, center, Rockford IceHogs (CHI)

Moore is one of the fastest players currently in the non-NHL, a two-time world junior gold medalist and a first-year pro after two years at the University of Minnesota. He was selected with the 19th overall pick in 2023 and was one of many first-round players for the Blackhawks to get extended playing time in the AHL. Moore appeared in nine games with the Blackhawks last season and had four assists. I expect him to play a lot of games in Rockford and get reps as a mid-six center. He's fun to watch when he's full of energy, so maybe we'll get a chance to see him at the AHL All-Star Classic in Rockford.

PSST…Oliver Moore's assist was his first NHL score 👏 pic.twitter.com/iWzHkgEpNm

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) April 5, 2025

Andrew Cristall, left guard, Hershey Bears (WSH)

Krystal faced a huge test and he met every challenge in his young career and scored a lot of points. The 5-foot-10 forward's size has been questioned, but he scored 132 points in the WHL last season, including 48 goals. He scored another 41 points in 19 playoff games. Krystal, one of the most productive players in junior hockey over the past three years, must prove he can handle the pro game, as well as the size and strength of his opponents. There's no better place to learn how to deal with it than Hershey, though.

Gabe Perreault, RW, Hartford Pack (NY)

Rangers fans may be disappointed that he didn't join a big club, but Perreault heading to the AHL would be a great opportunity for him to get the reps he needs to become a top-six forward at the next level. He will receive significant playing time and an elevated role in Hartford, which is exactly what your best players want to see. The 2023 No. 23 overall pick scored 108 points in two seasons at Boston College, won two world junior gold medals and is one of the smartest playmakers in his age group. We'll learn how many of the signature pieces of his career Perrault turned into professional work. If things go quickly, he might not have to wait too long to get a call from Rangers.

Tanner Molendyk, G, Milwaukee Admirals (NSH)

As the 24th overall pick in 2023, Molendik is about to enter his first season of professional hockey. What stands out most is his skating, but he also has the ability to move the puck and create plays. Molendik scored 47 points in 49 WHL games last season and then added 20 points in 18 playoff games to help Medicine Hat win the WHL and reach the Memorial Cup finals. With experience on the big stage at the World Juniors and Mem Cup, Molendyk should thrive in the Milwaukee market.

Igor Chernyshov, left guard, San Jose Barracuda (SJS)

Chernyshov played just 23 games in the OHL last season with the Saginaw Spirit, his first full season in North American professional hockey. In those 23 games, the Russian forward scored 55 points and dominated the junior division. He has also played in 34 KHL games in his career, so he is no stranger to professional players. Now in San Jose, the 6-foot-3 forward will come in with some high expectations and a lot of interest as he adjusts to the AHL. With the skill set Chernyshov possesses, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him make some highlights this season.

IGOR CHERNYSHOV'S FIRST AHL GOAL! 🚨@sjbarracuda | @sanjoseshark | @LockedOnSharks @OHL Hockey | @SpiritHockey #americanhockeyleague #caldercup #TealBitesBack #BarracudaHockey #futureiscyan pic.twitter.com/sNNhutk127

— FloHockey (@FloHockey) May 8, 2025

Oliver Bonk, D, Lehigh Valley Phantoms (PHI)

Bunker was drafted 22nd overall in 2023 and is about to make his professional debut in the AHL. Over the past two seasons, the London Knights have won multiple OHL championships in the playoffs and reached the Memorial Cup. This left him without even a chance to experience a professional game at the end of the season. Bunker was a standout at the junior level, a two-time Canadian World Junior player, and never scored less than 40 points in an OHL season. His solid two-way game will be honed in Allentown and he's expected to crack the top four. Bunker currently remains with the Flyers as an injured non-roster player while dealing with an upper-body injury.

Stian Solberg, D, San Diego Gulls (ANA)

Solberg appeared in 10 games for San Diego late last season and now looks set to be a standout player on this year's roster. Solberg has been playing professionally for the past two years, first in Norway's top professional league and last year in the SHL. A constant feature of his game is his physicality, something opposing teams need to take note of when he's on the field. Solberg has a lot of great qualities in his game that should see him play a lot of minutes for the Seagulls this season.

Ivan Ryabkin, left back, Chicago Wolves (CAR)

Ryabkin is one of the youngest players in the AHL this season, and his jump from the USHL directly to the AHL is rare, but not unprecedented. He has also played some KHL games over the past few years, but Ryabkin should be ready for the new challenge of turning 18 in the AHL. Ryabkin has a strong shot, but he also plays the game with a temper. There will be questions about whether he's truly ready for the AHL, but he could still be sent back for his junior year if the Hurricanes choose.

Brayden Yager, center, Manitoba Moose (WPG)

Yeager was drafted by Pittsburgh with the 14th overall pick in 2023 and was later traded to Winnipeg in the Rutger McGroarty deal. Yager has been one of the most productive players in the WHL over the past few seasons, including 82 points in 2024-25. He also won the WHL Championship with Moose Jaw in 2024. Yeager is highly skilled and will likely play an important role in Manitoba's lineup. He will work hard to learn the secrets of being a top-six player and see if he can handle that role once he gets to the NHL.

Colby Barlow, assisted by Brayden Yager 🚨 🍎

Future 🤖 pic.twitter.com/cEcOKxcCUy

— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) September 22, 2024

Daniil But, LW, Tucson Roadrunners (UTA)

6-foot-6 forwards are already hard to find, but it's even harder to find one with But's skill level. He performed well in the NHL preseason, but he'll have a head start in the AHL before he can achieve great things. After spending two full seasons in the KHL, but had to adapt to North American professional hockey. However, given his size and hands, it might be easier for him than we think. The 12th overall pick in 2023, but there are big expectations for him and could start developing into someone who had a strong start in Tucson.

Trevor Connelly, LH, Henderson Silver Knights (VGK)

Connally was injured at the start of the season, which means he will likely be ticketed to the American Hockey League when he gets healthy. He was Vegas' No. 19 overall pick in 2024 and surprised some by signing after his freshman year at Providence. He was still eligible to represent the United States at the World Juniors, but he actually suffered the injury during training camp for that event. Starting from behind can be difficult as Connery tries to catch up. We'll have to see if the Golden Knights ultimately decide to keep him in the AHL, or possibly send him to the juniors.

Ilya Protas, Hershey Bears (WSH)

Protas, who finished second in the OHL with 124 points last season, is still eligible to return, but since he was drafted from the USHL, he is eligible to head to the AHL to start the new season. That's where Washington now has the 6-foot-5 center, and he can stay there. If Protas shows he can still develop the skills he showed at the junior level at the professional level, it won't be long before he becomes a draft option for Washington.

Quinn Hutson, RW, Bakersfield Condors (EDM)

An undrafted free agent who signed with Edmonton late last season and even appeared in two games will start the new year in Bakersfield. Hutson's younger brother, Ryan, had his own success last season after winning the Calder Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year. Quinn scored 23 goals and scored 50 points to help BU advance to the men's Frozen Four. As the Oilers look for low-cost production, a player like Hutson could help them tremendously by earning a spot with a big club. One has to consider him an early candidate for a recall if the Oilers need someone in a pinch.

Jack Devine, LH, Charlotte Checkers, FLA

After leading the NCAA in scoring last season, Devine joined the Checkers and reached the Calder Cup finals. He didn't get a regular role in the playoffs, but was inserted into the lineup for the final game of the series and made an impact. He finished the postseason with five points in his last four games, giving us a taste of what could be possible this season. An extremely talented playmaker, Devine looks like a likely Rookie of the Year contender.

🔥 This kid is on fire! 🔥

Jack Devine gave Charlotte a 2-0 lead on a pair of odd-man breaks from Powell and Okuliar. Devine has scored in every game since returning to the starting lineup.@checkershockey | @FlaPanthers | @LO_FLAPanthers#americanhockeyleague #caldercup #checkershockey #huntingtime pic.twitter.com/8jxbhf7Crw

— FloHockey (@FloHockey) June 23, 2025

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