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One Must-Watch AHL Prospect on Every Team - North Division Edition
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- One Must-Watch AHL Prospect on Every Team - North Division Edition
Laval Rocket - David Reinbacher
Jacob Fowler was the initial pick for this, and considering the Montreal Canadiens goaltending situation, he might be there for a while. The Rocket are a veteran-heavy team but the prospect who has stood out is David Reinbacher, the defenseman who is still developing at the AHL level. The Canadiens have a top-heavy defense, and the question is whether Reinbacher can prove he's ready to join that unit. A playoff run will be the big test.
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Syracuse Crunch - Ryan Fanti
At 26 years old, it's hard to call Ryan Fanti a prospect. However, he's a late-blooming goaltending prospect. He's stepped up on a Crunch team that wins low-scoring games and might be the goaltender who emerges as Andrei Vasilevskiy 's backup in the near future.
Cleveland Monsters - Luca Del Bel Belluz
Luca Del Bel Belluz has developed into a star in Cleveland. The top-line 22-year-old center always had the skill, and the question was whether he could build up strength and play a 200-foot game. This season, Del Bel Belluz has done that and remains one of the explosive game-changing forwards in the league.
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Related: Luca Del Bel Belluz Details Development & Improvement in the AHL
Toronto Marlies - Luke Haynes
Credit head coach John Gruden for getting the most out of a team that doesn't have a lot of prospects and, more importantly, developing some players into potential NHLers, which Toronto will need soon enough. One of those prospects is Luke Haymes, a rookie forward with 15 goals and 11 assists. Haymes is also heating up at the right time with six goals in his last 10 games, so he'll be a player to watch as the Marlies look to make a playoff run.
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Rochester Americans - Konsta Helenius
Konsta Helenius burst on the scene as a rookie with 14 goals and 21 assists in 2024-25. He's followed it up with 15 goals and 30 assists while also adjusting to the center position. Helenius is ahead of schedule, and with the Americans struggling, he's become a player they've had to lean on for wins.
Belleville Senators - Carter Yakemchuk
Carter Yakemchuk is a prime example of a promising and exciting defenseman who is still learning the position. He has nine goals and 26 assists, yet his breakdowns defensively are one of the reasons Belleville is having a rough season (and hasn't given their goaltending any breaks). That said, Yakemchuk is the defenseman they'll rely on for big plays to make a push for the players.
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Utica Comets - Ethan Edwards
It's been a disastrous season for the Utica Comets, which goes hand in hand with the New Jersey Devils . They are in last place and heading towards an overhaul this offseason. A bright spot, however, is Ethan Edwards, who has stepped up on the defense. If the Devils trade Dougie Hamilton or Simon Nemec , Edwards will likely be on the NHL team fighting for a regular role.
