Patrick WilliamsTheAHL.com Features Writer
AHL rosters continue to take shape, and opening weekend is in the books.
Eight teams across the league have new coaches, and all teams have new rosters to one degree or another. The first few weeks of the AHL season are about building familiarity with the new staff, getting the systems working on the ground, and establishing a foundation that can carry the team through the second half of the season and into the Calder Cup Playoffs.
Let’s take a team-by-team look at the Western Conference. The Eastern Conference split happened earlier this week.
ABBOTSFORD
With Abbotsford just a short drive from Vancouver, the Swedish Hockey League’s rookie of the year Jonathan LekkerimäkiComing full time to the AHL will generate a lot of interest. The 15th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft had 31 points (19 goals, 12 assists) in 46 games last season with Örebro HK. Longtime NHL forward and Calder Cup champion Manny Malhotra is the new coach at Abbotsford.
BAKERSFIELD
Another first round pick in the Pacific Division is the Condors rookie forward Matthew SavoieOriginally taken by Buffalo ninth overall in 2022. Savoie had 71 points (30 goals, 41 assists) in just 34 games in the Western Hockey League last season split between Wenatchee and Moose Jaw, and came to the Edmonton Oilers in a July trade with the Sabers.
CALAGARA
A lot of change has swept through the latest Wranglers. Captain Brett Sutter he’s still around, but now he’s an assistant coach after retiring this summer. Goalkeeper Dustin Wolfwho collected a number of awards during his time in the AHL, was successful with the Calgary Flames. Martin Frka very dangerous sharpshooter, he has returned to the AHL following a season in Europe and will provide the Wranglers with a potent threat.
IN CHICAGO
The reunion this fall of the Wolves and the Carolina Hurricanes, who shared to win the Calder Cup in 2022. A new coach Cam Abbott comes to North America after a successful run in the SHL. Bradley Nadeaua 2023 first-round pick, has turned into a superstar after one standout season at the University of Maine. Two other new players, Gleb Trikozov again Felix Unger Sorumand the protector Scott Morrow and were recent top picks for the Hurricanes.
COACHELLA VALLEY
After going to the Calder Cup Finals in back-to-back seasons, the Firebirds have a very different team in 2024-25. To begin with, Derek Laxdal takes the position of head coach Dan Bylsma. A number of the best players from last season’s finals are gone, but the captain Max McCormick and forward John Hayden are among the participants. Goalkeeper Nikke Kokko and the frontrunners Jagger Firkus again Eduard Sale is one of the new faces Seattle has high hopes for.
COLORADO
The Eagles have one of the top free agents from last summer’s trade going forward TJ Tynantwo-time AHL most valuable player. He returned to Colorado, where he spent two seasons. So is another former Eagles captain, forward Jason Megnawhile the defender Jacob MacDonald he’s a plus in his second round with the Eagles. Forward Matthew Phillips he’s a two-time 30-goal scorer in the AHL, too Jere Innalawho had 11 goals in 14 SHL playoff games for Frölunda last spring, brings eight seasons of European professional experience.
HENDERSON
Goalkeeper Carl Lindbom is coming off a strong first season in the SHL with Färjestad; The 21-year-old was selected in the seventh round by the Vegas Golden Knights who has become a prominent prospect. A rookie forward Matyas Sapovaliv to reunite with Henderson after winning the Memorial Cup last season with Saginaw of the Ontario Hockey League. After bouncing back and forth on waivers between Edmonton and the Golden Knights, the 2024 AHL All-Star. Raphael Lavoie it has Henderson and provides a top offensive option.
IOWA
The Wild made several summer changes, with Travis Boyd, Brendan Gaunce, Ben Jones again Devin Shore among the young veterans who asked to lead Iowa. Goalkeeper Jesper Wallstedt he’s back with Iowa for what should be his last stint in the AHL before he heads to Minnesota; he signed a two-year contract last week.
MANITOBA
Nikita Chibrikov, Brad Lambert, Chaz Lucius again Danny Zhilkin give a bunch of young talent up front to Moose. The protector Elias SolomonssonWinnipeg’s second-round pick in 2022, comes to North America after winning the Swedish championship with Skelleftea last season. Under the head coach Mark MorrisonManitoba is always an organized, hard-working challenger in the tight Central Division.
MILWAUKEE
The Admirals have reached the Western Conference finals in each of the past two springs and return another strong roster. Forward Zach L’Heureux, Joakim Kemell again Fedor Svechkov they are the best forwards who have shown great promise. Ozzy Wiesblattoff-season loan from San Jose, remains with the Admirals as he restarts a new organization. Milwaukee also has a new goaltending tandem Matthew Murray again Magnus Chrono.
ONTARIO
Rookie defender Jakub Dvoraka 2023 second baseman, he is just 19 years old as he begins this season in a dominant fashion. Goalkeeper Erik Portillo had a strong rookie season and will be given a chance to build on that. Samuel Fagemo he’s back with the Reign after scoring 43 goals in 50 games last season, finishing second in the AHL in that stretch, and will be the catalyst for a balanced offense.
ROCKFORD
Forward Frank Nazar and the protector Kevin Korchinski (who spent last season with the Chicago Blackhawks) are the two biggest-name players in their 20s on the Rockford roster. There is also a rookie Gavin Hayeswho had 37 goals last season in the OHL between Flint and Sault Ste. Marie. Finally, there is the AHL All-Star Ethan Del Mastrowho had an impressive first season. Goalkeeper Drew Commesso is back for his second year as he tries to solidify his place as part of Chicago’s future in net.
SAN DIEGO
The Gulls have brought in a proven goalscorer Ryan Carpenter and veterans Dillon Heatherington again Roland McKeown with a blue line. Jansen Harkins again Carson Meyer more help with experience. Nathan Gaucher is the first round pick among a group of young prospects sent to San Diego by the rebuilding Anaheim Ducks.
SAN JOSE
Yaroslav AskarovLanding with the Barracuda following two solid seasons with Milwaukee gives the San Jose Sharks a closer look at their future in net. They entered Justin Bailey, Andrew Poturalski again Colin Whiteveteran forwards who can help forward, while defending Joey Keane returns to the AHL where he was an All-Star in 2019-20. A highly regarded forward prospect Philip Bystedt is at Barracuda in his first full North American season.
TEXAS
The Stars have two big players from the Coachella Valley up front Cameron Hughes again Kole Lindthe top two players on the AHL roster this year Logan Stankoven and MVP Mavrik Bourque to the Dallas Stars. Eddie Shore Award Winner Kyle Capobiancohis 54 points last season with Manitoba led all AHL defensemen, and he is now in Texas as part of a defense team that includes a first-round pick. Lian Bichsel.
TUCSON
Affiliated with the Utah Hockey Club, the Roadrunners benefited from an aggressive summer by the front office. Veterans have entered Robbie Russo again Kevin Connaughton in the green line while Andrew Agozzino again Egor Sokolov provide proven support as a forward. Forward Aku Räty had a 44-point performance in his first AHL season and is back. Julian Lutz again Noel Nordh two other interesting future prospects.
In the American Hockey League for two decades, TheAHL.com features writer Patrick Williams and currently covers the league for NHL.com and FloSports and is a regular contributor to SiriusXM NHL Network Radio. He was the recipient of the AHL’s James H. Ellery Memorial Award for the league’s top scorer in 2016.
