Each NHL Team's Hottest AHL Prospect Who Could Be Brought Up Now

Before a player can step into the NHL, often some additional experience and seasoning is required. The American Hockey League is a great opportunity for players to showcase their talents and skills while receiving ice time they wouldn't normally get on the fourth line of an NHL club.

Every NHL team looks for a hot player in the minors to call up every so often to light a fire underneath their players.

Currently there are some prospects who are having a season worthy of a midseason call-up. Some teams have already gotten a jump on the action, but who is the hottest player for each AHL team that needs to be called up now? 

For the purpose of this slideshow, a prospect is defined as a player if he meets the qualifications guideline.

Courtesy of Hockey's Future:

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A player will be considered a prospect until he meets the following criteria:

1.  If a prospect is a skater (forward, defenseman) and has played in 65 NHL games or more before the completion of the season of his 24th birthday; or, if a goaltender has played in 45 NHL games before the completion of the season of his 24th birthday, that player will be considered graduated to the NHL. Conversely, if a player completes the season of his 24th birthday without passing those milestones, then that player will no longer be considered a prospect by Hockey’s Future, regardless of the player’s status with his NHL club."

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2.  An NCAA player who signs his first contract at or above the age of 22 has three years to meet the above criteria (65/45), while those NCAA players that turn pro under the age of 22 will be subjected to the criteria above."

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3.  European players who sign their first NHL contract at or above the age of 22 have three seasons from the time they sign that contract to meet the above criteria. Those European players below the age of 22 that have signed a NHL contract will be subjected to the criteria in section one.

Section one is the meat of the criteria as it will govern the majority of players that vie for a NHL roster spot. Sections two and three are simply an acknowledgement that some prospects arrive on the scene a bit later than their peers, thus needing some time past their 24th birthday to develop into an NHL-caliber player.

The graduated list on team pages will consist of players who are considered graduated to the NHL. A skater prospect may sit on the graduated list until he has played 130 games in the NHL. A goalie prospect may sit on the graduated list until he has played 90 games in the NHL.

NOTE: These are general guidelines and should be followed the majority of the time but certain players may still be listed as prospects if circumstances warrant.

 

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Anaheim Ducks

Patrick Maroon

Patrick Maroon is a left winger who currently plays for the Syracuse Crunch of the AHL. Maroon has grown leaps and bounds from last season in offensive production. In 57 total games last year he recorded only 48 points.

In 41 games thus far, Maroon has 45 points. He is averaging a tick above a point-per-game average. Maroon is 6'4" and 225 pounds. This is the perfect size for a scoring power forward. The Anaheim Ducks currently are rebounding in the standings. 

However, if the Ducks somehow fall far out of playoff contention, calling up Maroon to see some NHL ice time wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.

Boston Bruins

Jordan Caron

Jordan Caron started with the Bruins this season and he was a member of the team for 23 games last season. In the short time he was there he was a key member for the Bruins PK unit. Although he was sent down, Caron is still a player who could help the Bruins.

This year Caron has 12 points in 16 games but is one of the team's top prospects in the AHL. He was a first-round draft pick in 2009 and should finally crack the roster full-time as the season ends and next year's campaign begins.

Buffalo Sabres

Zach Kassian

Zach Kassian is a player that Sabres fans are waiting for to join the roster full-time. Kassian showed the impact he could have when he was a member of the Windsor Spitfires and he could have the same impact for the Sabres.

Kassian played 18 games with the Sabres this year before being sent down. Since his demotion, Kassian has scored 22 points in 28 games thus far. He is a player with decent size and could really help the struggling Sabres in the near future.

Calgary Flames

Brian Connelly

New acquisition Brian Connelly is one of the best players in the Calgary's system that could be called up. He was acquired from the Chicago Blackhawks in a trade and he offers an offensive upside.

Connelly has 35 points to date, 31 assists and is on pace to surpass his career high of 52 points in 81 games. 

The Hockey News has this projection for Connelly:

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ASSETS: Has great speed, sound puck-moving skills and offensive acumen at lower levels. Can work well on the power play. Usually plays within his physical limitations.

FLAWS: Is rather undersized for the blueline position at the National Hockey League level, so he must prove capable of fending off bigber NHL forwards.

CAREER POTENTIAL: Depth defenseman.

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Connelly is a bit small but if he can bulk up a bit he can be a good third-pairing offensive defenseman and power-play quarterback. He may be a bit young but he has time to develop more and improve his overall potential.

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Carolina Hurricanes

Zac Dalpe

Zac Dalpe is a solid center with a good shot. He has bounced between the NHL and minors twice but many players like Dalpe have done this in the past. Dalpe scored 23 goals and 24 assists for 57 points as a member of the Charlotte Checkers last season and has registered 17 points in 26 games thus far.

Dalpe is a talented player and could see some playing time if the Hurricanes shake up their roster. Dalpe should have a bright future in this league because he has shown that he can contribute offensively. If paired with the right forwards, Dalpe can be successful with Carolina.

The Hurricanes have some promising players, and Dalpe is another player to keep your eye on.

Chicago Blackhawks

Brandon Pirri

Brandon Pirri is definitely a player who could crack the roster by the end of this season or the beginning of next season at the latest. Pirri is a young player who has shown some real growth on the ice from last season.

Pirri played in 70 games last season and he recorded only 43 points. In only 44 games thus far, he has surpassed his previous high. Pirri's 45 points has him on a pace to finish with a point-per-game average or higher. The fact that Pirri is only 20 years old illustrates that he has the potential to grow even more.

If Pirri is given a good shot at the NHL level, there is no reason why he can't be successful.

Colorado Avalanche

Tyson Barrie 

Tyson Barrie is a defense for the Avalanche's AHL affiliate the Lake Erie Monsters. Barrie is in his first year in the AHL and currently leads the team in scoring. In the WHL, Barrie was a defenseman who was proficient offensively as he averaged between 43 and 78 points.

Even though Barrie comes with an NHL pedigree and a plethora of opportunities, Tyson is a hard-working defenseman that could be a valuable asset to the Avalanche. He is a player who could earn a call-up if he can keep up his play and he catches a big break.

Columbus Blue Jackets

Martin St. Pierre 

Martin St. Pierre has bounced around through many leagues throughout North America and Europe. He is a playmaking center who has spent most of his career in the minor leagues. He often finishes around the 50-assist mark and could really help this team.

Nothing seems to be going right for the Blue Jackets so calling up the leading scorer from their farm team isn't the worst decision that could be made. St. Pierre may not qualify as a prospect but he is the best player Columbus could call up.

Dallas Stars

Matt Fraser 

Matt Fraser recorded 74 points in 66 games during his last season in the WHL. He currently has 35 points in 42 games and has shown that he is beginning to be more disciplined. His 25 penalty minutes this season are a major improvement over the 115 PIMS he registered last season.

If Fraser can continue to play disciplined and offensive-minded hockey, he is a player who would be serving on an AHL call-up.

Detroit Red Wings

Gustav Nyquist

Gustav Nyquist is off to a great start in his AHL career. In his first full season thus far, Nyquist has recorded 40 points in 39 games. Before joining the minor club, Nyquist had a successful career at the University of Maine.

Nyquist is an offensive-minded player who can put up the points. In the preseason he showed that he likes to go to the net and as a result, he scored two goals. He is a player of interest that would really fit in. Can you imagine him with fellow countryman Henrik Zetterberg?

Edmonton Oilers

Ryan Keller

Ryan Keller is the current top scorer for the Edmonton Oilers farm club but he has played solid in his own end as he leads the team in plus/minus rating. Keller has 35 points and a plus/minus rating of plus-18 so far this season.

Keller loves to shoot the puck and that is a great way to generate offense. He has had success offensively in the past and if Edmonton wants to add some scoring to their club, Keller would be a solid addition. 

Florida Panthers

Jon Matsumoto

The Panthers had called up Jacob Markstrom, their top AHL player, but he currently is on injured reserve. The Panthers next-best call-up option was recently acquired from the Charlotte Checkers.

Jon Matsumoto is a scoring center who has seven points in five games with the San Antonio Rampage so far.

With the Checkers, Matsumoto had 34 points in 41 games. He is a player who has spent the majority of his young career in the AHL thus far but he has the talent to have an impact if a roster spot opens up on the Panthers roster.

Los Angeles Kings

Marc-Andre Cliche

Marc-Andre Cliche is the currently a member of the Manchester Monarchs. He is also the team's leading scorer. Cliche is a veteran player who can add depth to a team like the Kings on their third of fourth line. He knows what it is like to win as he was a member of the 2007 Canadian World Juniors championship team.

The Kings already have dynamic players like Mike Richards, Dustin Brown and Anze Kopitar so a player like Cliche could strengthen the Kings' overall depth.

Minnesota Wild

Matt Hackett

Matt Hackett could easily be the backup goaltender for the Minnesota Wild next season as Josh Harding is a UFA who could become a starter for a team that is currently starving for a main goaltender. Hackett was a member of the Wild earlier this season and during that stretch he posted a 2-0-0 record.

Hackett is a young kid who showed poise and will likely be the backup next year. With Nicklas Backstrom getting older, it could only be a matter of time before Hackett is the full-fledged starter of the Minnesota Wild.

Montreal Canadiens

Louis Leblanc

Louis Leblanc is a player with good speed who can be a game-changer. Leblanc is an exceptional two-way forward who can skate end to end. His stats really are indicative of his play this year, as the Hamilton Bulldogs have had an average season to his point.

He is a gritty player who likes to dig it out in the trenches and will throw a body check or hit when deemed necessary.

Leblanc is equipped with a very good set of hands that help him protect the puck. His skating talents allow him to create adequate space as well.

Nashville Predators

Ryan Ellis

Ryan Ellis is one of the Predators' top defensive prospects. He is a player who is being watched very closely given the situation currently in Nashville. The Predators' top four is currently set and if one of the big two were moved, there could be some shifting that would involve Ellis joining the top pairing.

Ellis had 17 points in 26 games and was a plus-six in the AHL. So far at the NHL level he has seven points in 14 games and he is on pace to finish the season with Nashville.

Here is how Ellis has been described by The Hockey News:

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ASSETS: Has outstanding offensive instincts and great mobility--he's very athletic. Also owns the natural ability to quarterback a power play. Not big but strong, he has a powerful shot.

FLAWS: Makes mistakes with the puck, due to overconfidence. Lacks ideal size for the blueline position at the NHL level. Also needs to continue improving his work without the puck.

CAREER POTENTIAL: Offensive defenseman with big upside.

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Ellis was recalled in late December so this is a situation where the best player has already been recalled.

New Jersey Devils

Joe Whitney

The Devils called up their top AHL player early on when they added Calder contender Adam Henrique to their ranks. He is a talented scoring centerman who passes the puck with ease. As the lineup currently stands, the Devils don't have much room for improvement in the minors but the best player they could call up would be Joe Whitney.

The rookie winger leads the team in points with 25 and scored 11 goals. He signed as a free agent after playing one game for the Portland Pirates last season. Whitney is a player who is off to a solid start but will need some more seasoning before he cracks an NHL roster.

New York Islanders

Casey Cizikas 

Casey Cizikas is one player the New York Islanders could considered calling up. He currently leads the Bridgeport Sound Tigers in points with 38 and a rating of plus-20.

He is a young playmaking center who could inject some offense into the Islanders lineup. The Islanders have a lot of players in their system but Cizikas is one of the players who could have an impact sooner rather than later.

With players like Cizikas, Ryan Strome and Nino Niederreiter all young and in the Islanders system, things will eventually start to look up for the Islanders.

New York Rangers

Jonathan Audy-Marchessault

The Rangers have no room on their roster for an AHL call-up. However, the best player currently on their AHL affiliate can't even be recalled. Jonathan Audy-Marchessault, or JAM for short, is having a great season but he was only signed to a AHL contract. 

JAM has 38 points on the year and was a recent AHL All-Star representative for the Connecticut Whale.

As it currently stands the Rangers will likely send Wojtek Wolsk and Erik Christensen back to Hartford and the only way the Rangers will recall a young forward is if Chris Kreider joins the Whale later this year.

Ottawa Senators

Andre Petersson

The Binghamton Senators are the defending Calder Cup champions. This year they have a solid rookie named Andre Petersson. The Swedish winger has scored 29 points in 33 games played thus far. He is a small yet speedy winger who can pass and shoot with skill.

He is only 21 years old and will need to gain some size to adjust to the NHL level. At 5'9" and 169 pounds, Petersson is an easy target on the ice. He can have an edge to his game at times but his size ultimately doesn't help him in this regard.

Philadelphia Flyers

Jason Akeson

Jason Akeson leads the Phantoms with 33 points but the last few call-ups have involved depth and grit players like Tom Sestito, Akeson would add some extra scoring but the Flyers are a team that are deep throughout their lineup.

There isn't much room for a team like the Flyers to make a significant call-up but in the event that a player got injured and the Flyers needed scoring, Akeson would be a solid addition.

Phoenix Coyotes

Brock Trotter

Brock Trotter has had experience in the AHL for most of his career, however he has been the Pirates' top forward this season. Trotter started the year with the Hamilton Bulldogs and was acquired in a trade. His point totals included 28 points in his last 29 games but 35 points in 34 overall.

From an offensive perspective, he would make the most sense to be a mid- to late-season call-up.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Eric Tangradi

The Penguins are a team that have overcome some injuries this year so they have relied on AHL players at certain points this year. One player in particular that has had success for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins is Eric Tangradi. 

Tangradi has 29 points in 33 games thus far and he has been a frequent traveler between W.B./Scranton and Pittsburgh. 

The Penguins made a call-up for Tangradi as it is only a matter of time before he is a permanent member of the Penguins roster.

The Penguins are one of the teams on this list that have already added their best potential call-up.

St. Louis Blues

T.J. Hensick

T.J. Hensick has had a great year to date for the Peoria Riverman and he is one of the top offensive performers in the AHL. Hensick has tallied 16 goals and 37 assists for 53 total points this season. He is a player that has put in his time in the minors and could crack the roster at the start of next season.

Hensick could thrive under a system in St. Louis where Ken Hitchcock is willing to tutor his young players. With things looking up for St. Louis, however, odds are they stick with their current roster for now. There is no need to break up an effective system that is clearly working.

San Jose Sharks

Matt Irwin

Matt Irwin is a defenseman who has a decent offensive side to his game. He is second on the Worchester Sharks in points and is on pace to surpass his career high. He is a plus-one player up to this point and has average size. 

If Irwin can continue to play a solid offensive and defensive game he should draw some interest as a call-up. It would be great if Irwin could improve his plus/minus rating but other than that he has had a solid second year for the Sharks.

Tampa Bay Lightning

Cory Conacher

Cory Conacher has had an impressive season to date for the Norfolk Admirals. He has 49 points in 44 games and is a speedy offensive player. What is so impressive about Conacher is he is able to play at such an intense level despite dealing with type 1 diabetes. 

He was diagnosed with diabetes as a child and hasn't let it stop him from excelling at almost every level of hockey. It is amazing to see a player like Conacher excel despite dealing with this ailment.

Conacher is a determined player who has a bright future in the NHL. Can you imagine a player with Conacher's talent paired with a skilled center like Steven Stamkos or Vinny Lecavalier?

Toronto Maple Leafs

Joe Colborne

Joe Colborne is a player with skill and size that when applied is very effective at his game.

Colborne is a big body who should be able to play a physically dominating game. The Leafs desperately need some quality centers to emerge, and Colborne could be a solution in their bottom six.

If he learns to use his size effectively and efficiently, he can be a dominating presence for the Leafs at center ice.

Colborne offensively has contributed only 29 points in 33 games but he has spent some time on the Leafs roster.

Vancouver Canucks

Jordan Schroeder

Jordan Schroeder is currently in his third year with the Canucks farm system. He was a member of the Manitoba Moose but the Moose are now defunct and the Canucks affiliate is the Chicago Wolves.

Schroeder is a young player who is going to exceed his point production from last year in fewer games played. This is significant because when young players exhibit gradual growth, it is a good sign.

Schroeder is an interesting player that could be brought up for depth if the Canucks want to shake things up, but he will likely get an opportunity to crack the roster next year. Schroeder has taken a lot more shots this year so that is one factor that has contributed to his success.

Washington Capitals

Chris Bourque

Chris Bourque is having a great year for the Hershey Bears and he ranks second on the team and in the league with 64 points. Bourque just turned 25 and has really played well at the AHL level.

He has proven to be a consistent producer for the Bears. He was the Calder Cup MVP in 2010 and has won two Calder Cups for the Bears.

It is only a matter of time before Bourque makes the jump to the Capitals. He can have a solid impact if he can transfer his overall game and apply it at the NHL level. He would be a great call-up for a Washington Capital team looking to make a sizable run.

Winnipeg Jets

Spencer Machacek

The Ice Caps became the affiliate of the Jets when the Manitoba Moose had to relocate from the MTS Centre. The Ice Caps are in their first year and are led by a player named Spencer Machacek. 

Machacek is currently the leading scorer for the St. John's Ice Caps. He leads the team with 34 points in 44 and has a good chance of eclipsing the 53-point mark he reached last year in 67 games. 

Machacek is a 45- to 50-point player and could add some depth to the Jets roster. Odds are he may spend another year in the minors but he would be one of the best options at this point. He is only 23 years old so he has some time to develop.

Tom Urtz, Jr. is an NHL featured columnist. For NHL news, updates and alerts about players: