With the start of another hockey season on the horizon, it is time to keep an eye a few players who are on the cusp of making the jump from the AHL to the NHL.
Some of these guys have logged some NHL games due to injury to others during last year's campaign, and some are fresh faces who've yet to get a taste of the NHL ice. Either way, keep an eye on these names if you're interested in seeing some of the AHL's finest.
This 21-year-old out of Langley, British Columbia finished up 2015-16 with the the Anaheim Ducks, but he is likely to start the year once again with the Gulls. During his first semi-complete season in the AHL, Theodore put up 37 points over 50 games, proving he's the type of offensive defenseman who is thriving these days in the NHL.
Theodore will be fighting for an NHL roster spot during training camp, but thanks to the Ducks depth, he'll likely see a majority of his action in the AHL where the youngster is sure to thrive. That said, if paired with a veteran, defensive-minded partner, he could make an impact if called on by the Ducks.
It's not going to be easy for the young, 21-year-old Czech winger to get a chance to play for the Capitals this season as there is simply a wealth of talent on their roster. Vrana, however, has proven that the jump from junior hockey to a pro league like the AHL was not too much to handle by putting up nearly a point per game during his 36 AHL games this past season.
Vrana scored 16 goals to go along with 18 assists during the regular season. He continued his to produce in the AHL playoffs with eight more goals and six assists during the Bears' Calder Cup run this past spring. Keep a close eye on Vrana, as that type of point production will certainly put some heat on the Caps' front office to give him a closer look should any of their bottom-six forwards slump.
Another 21-year-old, Anthony Mantha has a rare combination of both size and speed. Listed at 6-foot-5, 214 pounds, this forward out of Longueuil, Canada is meant to become an elite scorer in the NHL.
Mantha spent most of last season with the AHL club, amassing a total of 21 goals and 24 assists during 60 regular-season games. He did get a chance at the big show with 10 NHL games for the Red Wings, where he scored his first two NHL goals. However, his inconsistency, and inability to use his big frame to his advantage have held him back. He'll likely start in the AHL again this season, but he will certainly be looked at as a possible call up should the opportunity present itself.
Apr 11, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Providence College Friars goalie Jon Gillies (32), the most outstanding player of the tournament carries the trophy after Providence defeated the Boston University Terriers 4-3 in the championship game of the Frozen Four college ice hockey tournament at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
At 22, Gillies is actually one of the older players on our list. He played three years in the NCAA for Providence before signing his entry-level contract with the Flames last April. With the Flames pretty much set at Goalie, Gillies is set to get a lot of work during his first full professional season.
The American-born Gilles is tall, measuring in at 6-5. However, he still plays a butterfly style. According to HockeysFuture.com, Gilles is known for challenging shooters and has worked hard on his rebound control while in college. Playing in a very exciting Pacific Division, Gilles will get a chance to shine this season.
Michael McCarron was drafted No. 25 overall in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft by Montreal, and since then he has spent time playing in the OHL for the London Knights and the Oshawa Generals. Last season, McCarron made the jump to the AHL, where he amassed 38 points over 58 games played. The 21-year-old from Michigan got a sniff at the NHL during a tough season for the Canadiens, but he was unable to prove he was fully NHL-ready.
McCarron has the size to become a top-six power forward in the NHL, but until then we look for him to be one of the top players to watch this season for his AHL club.
By Matthew Parvis
Some of these guys have logged some NHL games due to injury to others during last year's campaign, and some are fresh faces who've yet to get a taste of the NHL ice. Either way, keep an eye on these names if you're interested in seeing some of the AHL's finest.
1. Shea Theodore, Defenseman - Anaheim Ducks/San Diego Gulls
This 21-year-old out of Langley, British Columbia finished up 2015-16 with the the Anaheim Ducks, but he is likely to start the year once again with the Gulls. During his first semi-complete season in the AHL, Theodore put up 37 points over 50 games, proving he's the type of offensive defenseman who is thriving these days in the NHL.
Theodore will be fighting for an NHL roster spot during training camp, but thanks to the Ducks depth, he'll likely see a majority of his action in the AHL where the youngster is sure to thrive. That said, if paired with a veteran, defensive-minded partner, he could make an impact if called on by the Ducks.
2. Jakub Vrana, Winger - Washington Capitals/Hershey Bears
It's not going to be easy for the young, 21-year-old Czech winger to get a chance to play for the Capitals this season as there is simply a wealth of talent on their roster. Vrana, however, has proven that the jump from junior hockey to a pro league like the AHL was not too much to handle by putting up nearly a point per game during his 36 AHL games this past season.
Vrana scored 16 goals to go along with 18 assists during the regular season. He continued his to produce in the AHL playoffs with eight more goals and six assists during the Bears' Calder Cup run this past spring. Keep a close eye on Vrana, as that type of point production will certainly put some heat on the Caps' front office to give him a closer look should any of their bottom-six forwards slump.
3. Anthony Mantha, Winger - Detroit Red Wings/Grand Rapids Griffins
Another 21-year-old, Anthony Mantha has a rare combination of both size and speed. Listed at 6-foot-5, 214 pounds, this forward out of Longueuil, Canada is meant to become an elite scorer in the NHL.
Mantha spent most of last season with the AHL club, amassing a total of 21 goals and 24 assists during 60 regular-season games. He did get a chance at the big show with 10 NHL games for the Red Wings, where he scored his first two NHL goals. However, his inconsistency, and inability to use his big frame to his advantage have held him back. He'll likely start in the AHL again this season, but he will certainly be looked at as a possible call up should the opportunity present itself.
Apr 11, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Providence College Friars goalie Jon Gillies (32), the most outstanding player of the tournament carries the trophy after Providence defeated the Boston University Terriers 4-3 in the championship game of the Frozen Four college ice hockey tournament at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
4. Jon Gillies, Goalie - Calgary Flames/Stockton Heat
At 22, Gillies is actually one of the older players on our list. He played three years in the NCAA for Providence before signing his entry-level contract with the Flames last April. With the Flames pretty much set at Goalie, Gillies is set to get a lot of work during his first full professional season.
The American-born Gilles is tall, measuring in at 6-5. However, he still plays a butterfly style. According to HockeysFuture.com, Gilles is known for challenging shooters and has worked hard on his rebound control while in college. Playing in a very exciting Pacific Division, Gilles will get a chance to shine this season.
5. Michael McCarron, Center -- Montreal Canadiens/St. John's IceCaps
Michael McCarron was drafted No. 25 overall in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft by Montreal, and since then he has spent time playing in the OHL for the London Knights and the Oshawa Generals. Last season, McCarron made the jump to the AHL, where he amassed 38 points over 58 games played. The 21-year-old from Michigan got a sniff at the NHL during a tough season for the Canadiens, but he was unable to prove he was fully NHL-ready.
McCarron has the size to become a top-six power forward in the NHL, but until then we look for him to be one of the top players to watch this season for his AHL club.
By Matthew Parvis