The 2026 AHL All-Star Classic takes place on Tuesday in Rockford, Illinois. With the NHL on hold and Olympic events taking place during the day, this is a great opportunity to catch a glimpse of the NHL's future stars in one place.
The AHL All-Star Classic will feature traditional skills competition on Tuesday and a three-on-three All-Star Challenge on Wednesday at the BMO Center in Rockford, home of the Rockford IceHogs, the AHL affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks.
While there are many rookies who will be part of the upcoming celebrations that will make even more noise in the NHL, here are the picks I'm most excited to see test their skills at the AHL All-Star Classic in Rockford this week.
Watch the NHL's top prospects at the AHL All-Star Classic
Sebastian Cosa, G, Grand Rapids Griffins (DET)
This is likely to be Sebastian Cosa's last appearance in the AHL All-Star Classic after participating in the AHL All-Star Classic last year. The 2021 first-round pick is enjoying his best season as a pro and proving that patience can pay off. The Detroit Red Wings took a slow and steady approach with the 6-foot-6 goalie, who posted a .928 save percentage while helping Grand Rapids to the league's best record. He already has 20 wins and four shutouts, and this should be his final step toward a permanent spot in the NHL.
Sebastian Cosa wins his first NHL win! 🥹From @ECHL and @ToledoWalleyearrive @TheAHL and @griffinsockeynow in @NHL and @Detroit Red Wings…always a great time watching Xhosa win!#ECHL #americanhockeyleague #NHL #OurFishOurFight #GoGRG #LGRW pic.twitter.com/bWHFRXqrGM
— FloHockey (@FloHockey) December 10, 2024
Ilya Protas, left guard, Hershey Bears (WSH)
Protas was drafted by Washington with the 75th overall pick in the USHL in 2024, and now he's looking more and more like a steal. The 6-foot-5 forward was one of the OHL's top scorers last season and is one of the AHL's top prospects this year. Protas had 37 points, including 18 goals, in 44 games with Hershey. He's showing no signs of slowing down and looks set to join his brother Aliakse on the Washington Capitals roster in the near future.
Sergei Murashov, G, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (PIT)
Murashov has been one of the most impressive netminders in the AHL this season, appearing in 24 games with the Baby Pens and posting a .924 save percentage. He has also been shutout twice in his first AHL season and has only lost five games so far. Murashov looks like a legitimate goalie for Pittsburgh's future prospects.
Jacob Fowler, G, Laval Rocket (MTL)
Fowler has had some success in the NHL this season, but most of his best performances to date have come in the AHL. With three shutouts and a .914 save percentage, he has been a mainstay for the Rockets Pipers. One of the NHL's most ardent fans has a lot of expectations placed on Fowler, but he's handling it extremely well as he looks to be a full-time member of the Montreal Canadiens soon.
Jacob Fuller is a pretty good guy, right? 👀@RocketLaval | @CanadianMTL | @BC_MHockey | @YtownPhantoms #americanhockeyleague #caldercup #GoRocket #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/GtYgCn2Djm
— FloHockey (@FloHockey) May 16, 2025
Nick Lardis, left guard, Rockford IceHogs (CHI)
Radice will enjoy the support of his hometown Rockford fans after becoming a high-point-per-game player in his first year in the AHL. He has been a scoring threat throughout his AHL career after scoring 72 goals in the OHL last season. He has played a lot of games in the NHL this season with Chicago, but he has also been very productive in the AHL. He scored 15 goals in 28 games, displaying the touch and accuracy that made him one of the most lethal scorers in junior hockey last season.
Konsta Helenius, center, Rochester Americans (BUF)
Currently third on the Rochester Americans' scoring list, Helenius is on the verge of earning a long-term call-up to the Buffalo Sabers. Helenius is currently in his second AHL season at just 19 years old and has been a steady contributor for the Amerkes with 34 points in 36 games so far this season. He is a key prospect for the Sabers and will likely be part of their long-term plans as early as next season.
Bradley Nadeau, left guard, Chicago Wolves (CAR)
After an explosive rookie season in the AHL last year, Nadeau is accelerating his production with 41 points in 34 games for the Wolves. Nadeau scored his first NHL goal earlier this season and is knocking on the door of a full-time NHL role with the Carolina Hurricanes. The former BCHL and Maine standout is one of the most skilled players in the AHL, possessing a lethal shot and crafty ball-handling ability.
Quinn Hutson, RW, Bakersfield Condors (EDM)
Quinn Hutson was undrafted in the USHL and earned an NHL contract with the Edmonton Oilers after some stellar college seasons at Boston University. He followed that up with an impressive rookie season in the AHL. Hutson leads all rookies with 43 points on 24 goals and is six points more than the second-highest ranked rookie. He currently ranks ninth in the league in scoring.
“Snake bite? I don't think so!”
-Quinn Hutson (probably)What a first goal for the Edmonton Oilers prospect!@Condors | @TheAHL | @TerrierHockey | @MuskegonJacks #Condorstown #LetsGoOilers #americanhockeyleague pic.twitter.com/s0rFDnXDIc
— FloHockey (@FloHockey) October 19, 2025
Ryan Ufko, G, Milwaukee Admirals (NSH)
In his second full pro season, Ufko has taken his game to another level. The former Chicago Steel and UMass star has scored 40 points this season, surpassing his rookie season total of 30 points. He did it in just 43 games and is tied with defensemen for the AHL scoring lead.
Matvei Gridin, RW, Calgary Wranglers (CGY)
After starting the new season in the NHL, the Flames wisely sent Gridin to the AHL to refine his game and gain a higher status in the lineup. He scored 28 points in 34 games with the Wranglers. He also appeared in 13 NHL games and scored six points. Gridding's stay in the AHL may not be long, but he is making the most of the time he does have there.
Dmitri Simashev, D, Tucson Roadrunners (UTA)
The fact that Simashev has played one more game in the NHL this season than in the AHL certainly makes his presence in the AHL stronger. He averaged seven goals in 23 AHL games. In 24 NHL games, he has one assist. Obviously, the future is especially bright for Simashev, who is one of the Utah Mammoths' top prospects. This has been a remarkable season for a player who is just scratching the surface of some incredible upside.
Tyson Jugnauth, G, Coachella Valley Firebirds (SEA)
He originally planned to play college hockey this year, but the Seattle Kraken convinced Jugnauth to sign him to a professional contract, and he made the most of the opportunity. Jugnauth, who scored an impressive 89 points in the WHL with Portland in 2024-25, currently has 33 points with Coachella Valley, which ranks third among all AHL defensemen. He has been on a winding development path, but seems to have found a stable footing in the AHL and hopes to jump to a big club soon.
Watch the 2026 AHL All-Star Classic, Skills Competition, and More
The 2026 AHL All-Star Classic presented by BMO will be held on February 10-11 in Rockford, Illinois, home of the Rockford IceHogs, affiliate of the American Hockey League's Chicago Blackhawks.
The 2026 AHL All-Star Skills Competition will kick off the on-ice action on Tuesday night at 8:00 pm ET. It's a battle between the best teams in the East and the best teams in the West, with players showcasing their elite talents in seven skill competitions.
Then, the exciting 2026 AHL All-Star Challenge, a four-team 3-on-3 round-robin tournament, continues on Wednesday at 8:00 PM ET, culminating in an eight-minute 3-on-3 championship final.
Follow FloHockey for the latest NHL live coverage, all-access coverage, and more.
NHL FloHockey Prospect Report
The best, most complete coverage of NHL minor league hockey and the NHL Draft can be found on FloHockey. Don't miss the latest prospect guides, rankings and more from Chris Peters and the FloHockey staff.
Watch AHL, ECHL, QMJHL, USHL and more on FloHockey
FloHockey is the streaming home for some of the best hockey leagues in North America, including the ECHL and more. Check out the broadcast schedule for more hockey games.
Join the hockey conversation on FloHockey Social
