5 AHL players ready for the NHL

Every year, the NHL welcomes an influx of players from the American Hockey League. The talent in this league improves season after season, and some of the best young talent develops their game there.

Last season in the AHL was marked by exceptional scoring performances and promising talent. Several players stood out, but let’s take a look at five players who could make the jump to the NHL full-time in 2024.

Mavrik Bourque was the AHL’s best player last season and it wasn’t exactly close. He led the league in points with 77 in 71 games and won the AHL MVP award. At 22, he’s the youngest AHL scoring champion in more than a decade and he’s ready for the NHL.

What stands out most is Bourque’s creativity. He’s 5’10 and 185 pounds, but he never looks small on the ice. He’s very adept at getting out and finding a teammate who’s out and he’s relentless when he’s chasing a play. The Stars should be pleased with the direction their top prospect’s development is taking.

Not many 20-year-olds can play in the AHL, but Brad Lambert made it look easy. The Winnipeg Jets prospect recorded 55 points in 61 AHL games and also recorded his first career NHL point in his long run in the league.

Lambert is a versatile center. He’s an elite puck mover and scorer, but he’s also tough. His potential at the next level is up for debate, but he has the potential to be an impact player for the Jets once he makes the NHL.

The Boston Bruins need cheap talent to round out their forward group. Luckily for them, they have a 30-goal scorer waiting in the wings in the AHL. Georgi Merkulov is quietly becoming one of the most intriguing forwards on the cusp of the NHL. His 30 goals are eye-popping, but he’s not just a talent. He’s creative, has deft hands, and is incredibly exciting to watch.

He’s 23 and after being called up for four NHL games last year, Merkulov could force his way into the lineup for 2024.

Samuel Fagemo has had a terrific season in the AHL, despite playing between two organizations. He has scored 20 or more goals in three consecutive AHL campaigns, including 43 last season.

At 24, he appears to have moved on from the AHL level. His shooting ability is his greatest strength and he could be an interesting option for the Los Angeles Kings.

The Buffalo Sabres value forward Isak Rosen highly, and for good reason. He had a strong second season in the AHL, improving his points total by 13 points. He finished the 2023-24 season with 20 goals and 50 points at the AHL level and received a seven-game call-up to the NHL.

Rosen isn’t a power forward, but he’s a hard worker and has underrated scoring ability. The Sabres need to improve their depth up front, which could allow Rosen to stay with the NHL club full-time in 2024.

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