The Calder Cup Playoffs are here and for many top NHL prospects, this will be their first taste of the grind of the postseason in North America. Plenty have experienced playoffs in other levels and leagues, but there’s nothing quite like the Calder Cup Playoffs in the sport.

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With 23 teams making the postseason, nine of which have a bye into the second round, there’s a lot of variables that make this postseason among the most grueling in the sport. For the next two months, there’s going to be an awful lot of tense games.

One reason the AHL’s playoff pool is so large is to provide the opportunities for more prospects to get this postseason feel. The stakes are high and the Calder Cup may be the second-most coveted trophy in the pro ranks, behind only the Stanley Cup. Getting prospects a chance to experience the intensity of that chase is only going to be good for them.

For many NHL teams, this is a critical testing ground for the future of their team. Many players that went on to stardom in the NHL and the Stanley Cup Playoffs first cut their teeth here. 

So let’s take a look at some of the highest profile forwards under the age of 22 that will be competing in the AHL’s “second season” which begins Tuesday night.

ALSO READ: Top Defense Prospects In The Calder Cup Playoffs | Top Goalie Prospects In The Calder Cup Playoffs

NHL Forward Prospects To Watch In The AHL Playoffs

Dalibor Dvorský, Springfield Thunderbirds (STL)

A top-10 pick two years ago, Dvorský has had a wildly successful first North American pro season with Springfield. He had 45 points in 61 games, showed more physical strength and put himself in great positions to score. The Slovak forward could be an offensive catalyst for the Thunderbirds.

Nate Danielson, Grand Rapids Griffins (DET)

This was a year of growth for Danielson, who didn’t necessarily put up eye-popping numbers, but showed flashes of what he can ultimately be for the Detroit Red Wings down the road. He had 39 points in 71 games while showcasing two-way ability and flashes of skill that could make him a scorer at the next level. There’s still more room for him to grow, but he’s a critical piece for Grand Rapids.

Bradly Nadeau, Chicago Wolves (CAR)

With 32 goals this season, Nadeau is one of only five teenagers in AHL history to score that many goals. Only two have done it in the last 50 years. Nadeau’s ability to shoot from anywhere with accuracy makes him a deadly scorer and his one-timer is particularly lethal. He’s been hot heading into the postseason and should be a huge part of the Wolves run.

Ivan Miroshnichenko, Hershey Bears (WSH)

Already a Calder Cup champion, it’s hard to remember how young Miroshnichenko still is. The 21-year-old took a big step in Hershey this year, becoming a more consistent scorer. He had 42 points in 53 games including 23 goals. Miroshnichenko also appeared in 18 games with the Capitals this season. Hershey wants a third straight title and Miroshnichenko is better-positioned to help them get it this year. 

Ville Koivunen, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (PIT)

Among the top rookie scorers in the AHL this season, Koivunen finished third with 56 points. After coming over to the Pens organization in the Jake Guentzel trade, Koivunen has impressed in the AHL. He’s a good two-way presence with details and work ethic that denotes how mature he is for his age. Koivunen should be part of the solution in Pittsburgh as a potential middle-six scoring option.

Konsta Helenius, Rochester Americans (BUF)

Playing in the AHL at 18 is hard, but it didn’t always look it for Konsta Helenius. He had 35 points in 65 games, which puts Helenius fourth in U19 scoring over the last 30 years in the AHL. He still has more to gain in his development before he can help the Sabres, but this was a positive step.

Luca Del Bel Belluz, Cleveland Monsters (CBJ)

What a step Del Bel Belluz took this year in the AHL. He had 53 points in 61 games, improving on his rookie total of 31 points. He also had eight points in 15 games with Columbus this season. After a quiet playoffs last year, expect DBB to make some noise in 2025.

Matthew Poitras, Providence Bruins (BOS)

With 66 games in Boston under his belt, Poitras has really flourished when he’s been with the P-Bruins. He has 41 points in 40 games and is a real offensive leader. Getting this postseason experience will go a long way for making him a more permanent fixture in Boston as soon as next season.

Jonathan Lekkerimäki, Abbotsford Canucks (VAN)

The first North American pro season for Lekkerimäki was a strong one, especially with his ability to score goals in the AHL. The rookie had 19 goals in 38 games, while also potting three with the big club in 24 NHL games. Abbotsford has been a solid team this year, but they’re better with Lekkerimäki, especially with how dangerous he can be on the power play.

Jani Nyman, Coachella Valley Firebirds (SEA)

Nyman is second among rookie goal scorers this year with 28. The big-bodied Finnish forward clearly has a nose for the net and finds it often. He’s tough to knock off the puck and when he’s in space, he can really rip the puck. He’ll score from in-tight, though, too, which is probably even more valuable when he gets to the next level.

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Owen Beck, Laval Rocket (MTL)

A 12-game stint with the Habs earlier this year showed Beck where he needs to get to, but he’s been doing a lot to prove he’s not far away in the AHL. The 2022 second-rounder has 44 points in 64 games while bringing strong two-way play and an energetic style that has helped propel Laval to great heights this season. Now they have to show the can get it done in the playoffs.

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Amadeus Lombardi, Grand Rapids Griffins (DET)

Averaging over 0.9 points per game is impressive in any league and that's what Lombardi did in just his second AHL campaign. The former Flint Firebirds star almost doubled his rookie point total in 26 fewer games. When he's been healthy, he's been a major contributor. His skill is undeniable and he's taking steps to get stronger and more well rounded. He's not the most high-profile prospect on his team, but he's one that is growing in importance.

Jett Luchanko, Lehigh Valley Phantoms (PHI)

The 13th overall pick in last year's draft, Luchanko is getting his first taste of professional playoffs at a pretty young age. The speedster had three assists in nine AHL games at the end of the season. Considering he saw NHL games already this year and was a Canadian World Junior player, there's a lot of expectations. This will be more of a chance for growth and learning as I wouldn't anticipate Luchanko makes a sizable impact just yet. He will one day, though.

More Notable NHL Forward Prospects To Watch In The Playoffs

• Michael Brandsegg-Nygård, Grand Rapids Griffins (DET)
• Noah Östlund, Rochester Americans (BUF)
• Dylan Duke, Syracuse Crunch (TBL)
• Justin Robidas, Chicago Wolves (CAR)
• Otto Stenberg, Springfield Falcons (STL)
• William Strömgren, Calgary Wranglers (CGY)
• Joakim Kemell, Milwaukee Admirals (NSH)
• Ryan Winterton, Coachella Valley Firebirds (SEA)
• Jagger Firkus, Coachella Valley Firebirds (SEA)
• Dans Locmelis, Providence Bruins (BOS)
• Alex Bump, Lehigh Valley Phantoms (PHI)

How To Watch The 2025 AHL Calder Cup Playoffs

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