Before diving into the following list of players who could make an impact this season, it's important to note a few factors. What follows only takes into account guys who have played in the AHL, ruling out Vancouver's Elias Pettersson despite the fact he's a near-lock for the Canucks' 23-man roster. Additionally, the list includes a games-played cap (set at 20), which means Pittsburgh's Daniel Sprong (26) and Buffalo's Linus Ullmark (26) were left off. Finally, in order to include all positions, there may be a talented forward left off here or there in order to highlight other positions.
Andy Welinski (D) - Anaheim Ducks
San Diego Gulls - 10 Goals, 24 Assists (51 Games)
Selected in the third round of the 2011 NHL Draft, Welinski has been in the pipeline for the Ducks for quite some time -- the bulk of which was during his four-year collegiate career at the University of Minnesota - Duluth. In order to secure a spot in the 23-man roster on opening night, which certainly isn't out of the question, the 2017-18 AHL All-star will need to hold off challengers like Marcus Pettersson and veterans Luke Schenn and Andrej Sustr.
Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson (C) - Boston Bruins
Providence Bruins - 15 Goals, 17 Assists (58 Games)
The question for Forsbacka-Karlsson is not whether he will appear in any NHL games this season (he made his debut in 2016-17) but how many, as he figures to compete with Joakim Nordstrom for a spot in the
Before diving into the following list of players who could make an impact this season, it's important to note a few factors. What follows only takes into account guys who have played in the AHL, ruling out Vancouver's Elias Pettersson despite the fact he's a near-lock for the Canucks' 23-man roster. Additionally, the list includes a games-played cap (set at 20), which means Pittsburgh's Daniel Sprong (26) and Buffalo's Linus Ullmark (26) were left off. Finally, in order to include all positions, there may be a talented forward left off here or there in order to highlight other positions.
Andy Welinski (D) - Anaheim Ducks
San Diego Gulls - 10 Goals, 24 Assists (51 Games)
Selected in the third round of the 2011 NHL Draft, Welinski has been in the pipeline for the Ducks for quite some time -- the bulk of which was during his four-year collegiate career at the University of Minnesota - Duluth. In order to secure a spot in the 23-man roster on opening night, which certainly isn't out of the question, the 2017-18 AHL All-star will need to hold off challengers like Marcus Pettersson and veterans Luke Schenn and Andrej Sustr.
Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson (C) - Boston Bruins
Providence Bruins - 15 Goals, 17 Assists (58 Games)
The question for Forsbacka-Karlsson is not whether he will appear in any NHL games this season (he made his debut in 2016-17) but how many, as he figures to compete with Joakim Nordstrom for a spot in the lineup. The Swede is entering the final year of his entry-level contract and will be looking to make an impact.
Rasmus Andersson (D) - Calgary Flames
Stockton Heat - 9 Goals, 30 Assists (56 Games)
Andersson led all Heat defensemen last season with 39 points and 134 shots, which was his second year in the AHL following his move from his native Sweden. The smooth-skating blueliner comes in as the organization's eighth defenseman and almost certainly will get a chance to see some action this year.
Alex Nedeljkovic (G) - Carolina Hurricanes
Charlotte Checkers - 31-12-3 Record, 2.55 GAA, .903 SAV% (49 Games)
After Scott Darling's disappointing debut season as a No. 1 netminder, the Canes brought in Petr Mrazek to serve in the backup role, though the Czech has dealt with his own issues as well. All this could open the door for Nedeljkovic -- the 37th overall pick in the 2014 NHL Draft -- to eventually take over as the starter in Carolina if he continues to perform well in the AHL.
Matthew Highmore (LW) - Chicago Blackhawks
Rockford IceHogs - 24 Goals, 19 Assists (64 Games)
As a rookie, Highmore led Rockford with 24 goals last season, which earned him a 13-game stint in the NHL and AHL All-Star honors. The versatile two-way winger faces stiff competition from Dylan Sikura and Victor Ejdsell in securing a spot in the lineup, though. Even if he begins the 2018-19 campaign in the minors, Highmore figures to get a look at some point during the year -- especially if he continues racking up goals in the minors.
Cole Schneider (LW) - New York Rangers
Hartford Wolf Pack - 16 Goals, 34 Assists (76 Games)
The hardest part of breaking into the Rangers' lineup for the undrafted Schneider will be outcompeting highly-touted prospects like Filip Chytil, Jimmy Vesey and Lias Andersson. Leading the Wolf Pack in scoring last season with 50 points will no doubt have the University of Connecticut product on the radar of team brass. Struggles by any of the previously mentioned youngsters, as well as potential injuries, should bring the 28-year-old to the Big Apple.
Rudolfs Balcers (LW) - San Jose Sharks
San Jose Barracuda - 23 Goals, 25 Assists (67 Games)
Balcers was called up twice during the 2017-18 campaign as an emergency depth option but never cracked the Sharks' lineup. As a rookie last season, the sniper led the Barracuda in goals, points and power-play goals. The Latvian is a near-lock for the 23-man roster and may even suit up for opening night if he can highlight his talents in training camp.
Jordan Binnington (G) - St. Louis Blues
Providence Bruins - 17-9-1 Record, 2.05 GAA, .926 SAV% (28 Games)
Binnington finished second in the AHL last season in GAA and fourth in save percentage, which earned him a one-year, two-way contract from the Blues. While the club also added veteran Chad Johnson, the two netminders could find themselves battling for the backup job during training camp. No matter who is the No. 2, Jake Allen will be the starter in St. Louis, which means the 25-year-old Binnington is auditioning for a spot elsewhere next year as he tries to break into the NHL.
Andreas Johnsson (LW) - Toronto Maple Leafs
Toronto Marlies - 26 Goals, 28 Assists (54 Games)
A spot in the opening night lineup is Johnsson's to lose at this point, as he figures to slot onto the fourth line. An impressive point-per-game campaign with the Marlies last season certainly won't hurt his chances of locking up his spot on the depth chart. Veterans Josh Leivo and Josh Jooris figure to challenge for more ice time throughout the year, but the 23-year-old Swede should see the bulk of the minutes.
Sami Niku (D) - Winnipeg Jets
Manitoba Moose - 16 Goals, 38 Assists (76 Games)
Toby Enstrom's departure for Europe means the offensively-minded Niku may find himself on NHL ice come October. The 21-year-old Finn finished second in points (54) for the Moose in his rookie season last year, earning him AHL All-Rookie Team, AHL First All-Star Team and AHL Best Defenseman honors. Given his impressive resume and skill set, it's hard to imagine Niku won't spend significantly more time in the NHL than back with AHL Manitoba.
