By Jacob Messing

Late summer is typically when hockey fans ask, “Is it October yet?”

While the start of the season is still a long way off, camps begin in a month -- a time for high-end prospects and AHL players to get good, long looks from their coaches as teams push for roster spots and players seek to fulfill their NHL dreams.

Some organizations hope that specific players show they’re ready for the big leagues, while others already have their team set and are evaluating future call-ups and potential trade assets.

Below are a few players entering their sophomore season in the AHL who could become a significant piece of their team’s future.

Kyle Connor

Manitoba Moose | LW

Rookie Stats: 52 GP | 25 G | 19 A | 44 PTS | -8

A former 17th overall pick, Connor left the University of Michigan after his freshman year to sign with the Winnipeg Jets. The 22-year-old played in 20 games with the NHL side this season, managing just two goals and five points in that time.

There was a lot of hype around the college star, but he just wasn’t ready to step into the world’s top league. He put together a solid rookie season in the AHL, finishing tied for 14th in the league with 25 goals. Expect him to begin the season with Manitoba, but his next call-up could be his last.

Jake DeBrusk

Providence Bruins | LW

Rookie Stats: 74 GP | 19 G | 30 A | 49 PTS | +11

DeBrusk, drafted 14th overall by Boston in 2015, had a strong rookie year with Providence last season. The Bruins have some young talent coming through the pipeline, and with rumors of David Pastrnak on the trading block, DeBrusk’s NHL debut could be sooner rather than later.

DeBrusk has been a point-per-game player throughout his career and has a solid two-way game that Boston often demands from its players. He brings a shoot-first mentality that every team desires and should put it all together this coming year.

Alexander Nylander

Rochester Americans | RW

Rookie Stats: 65 GP | 10 G | 18 A | 28 PTS | -28

There’s a strong chance Nylander makes the Buffalo roster out of camp, but after an up-and-down rookie season, he’s got a year of the North American game under his belt and will certainly take the next step in the coming season.

Younger brother of Toronto’s William Nylander, he’s not just another solid prospect for the Sabres, but will be Rochester’s most prominent forward entering the season. That may not last long, though, as once his inevitable NHL call-up happens he’ll likely stay put.

Daniel O’Regan

San Jose Barracuda | C

Rookie Stats: 63 GP | 23 G | 35 A | 58 PTS | -6

O’Regan led all AHL rookies with 58 points this past season and is a big part of what helped the Sharks trade off other prospects in past trades. He’s undersized at 5-foot-10, but plays to his strengths.

He had four convincing seasons at Boston University and even tallied a goal in three games with the Sharks last year. San Jose’s front office could be relying on him to be ready for the NHL right out of camp after a largely quiet summer where they watched the rest of the Pacific Division stock up.

He's second in AHL rookie scoring and played in his first NHL game this season.

Get to know @sjbarracuda forward @DannyORegan15. pic.twitter.com/0JwGU9sqDC

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) December 18, 2016

Travis Sanheim

Lehigh Valley Phantoms | D

Rookie Stats: 76 GP | 10 G | 27 A | 37 PTS | +7

Philadelphia is quickly transitioning from a weak blue line to an enviable one. Sanheim won’t surpass Ivan Provorov and Shayne Gostisbehere this season, but he has the ability to do so soon -- that’s the kind of a prospect he is.

The towering defenseman was drafted 17th overall in 2014 and is poised to take the next step in 2017-18 for the Phantoms. His smooth play and ability to make everything look simple have turned the 21-year-old into a fun defenseman to watch.

Evgeny Svechnikov

Grand Rapids Griffins | RW

Rookie Stats: 74 GP | 20 G | 31 A | 51 PTS | even

After a mediocre start to 2015-16, Svechnikov learned quickly and was a near point-per-game player during the second half of the season and through the Calder Cup Playoffs, where the Griffins won their second cup in five years.

The big Russian finished fourth among rookies with 51 points and has a big future in Detroit once he earns the call. The Red Wings need to make a move to be cap-compliant and an open spot could be Svechnikov’s to grab as he is on the verge of a full-time NHL job.

Other Sophomores To Watch

Samuel Blais, J.T. Compher, Vince Dunn (Chicago Wolves), Joe Hicketts, Mark Jankowski, and Alex Tuch

Have a question or a comment for Jacob Messing? You can find him on Twitter @JMessing23.