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Undoubtedly, the AHL remains the best platform where talented players perfect their skills to be able to play in the NHL. With regard to the 2026-27 season, there are some talented players in the AHL who appear ready for their NHL debut. This includes the forward Ilya Protas of the Hershey Bears, who had a great performance during his rookie year with 29 goals and 66 points. The player showed great offensive instincts in addition to his intimidating size of 6-foot-5. The player’s impressive performance has set him up for an instant contribution to the offensive line for the Washington Capitals. Alongside him are the offensive hopefuls like Cole Eiserman, who has a highly refined shooting technique along with goal-scoring in limited games for the Hamilton Hammers.
When it comes to goals, Sebastian Cossa is one of the most interesting goaltending prospects. Following a successful season for the Grand Rapids Griffins, where he was able to rack up 26 wins, the gigantic netminder has the athletic skills to challenge for NHL starts behind Karel Vejmelka.
Moving down on the defensive pair, two dynamic players in Dmitri Simashev and Victor Eklund complete the quintet. While the former has demonstrated great development after producing 35 points in the AHL, with the help of his impressive reach and transition game, the latter can boast of great playmaking ability that will make him an obvious choice for a call-up in case he fails to crack the opening-night roster. With the growing number of injuries and tactical changes during the 82-game season, these five players have everything to become valuable NHL assets.
Source: Daily Faceoff / Inside The Rink / Elite Prospects (September 2026 AHL & NHL Prospect Analysis)
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