The AHL's 2025-26 Top Prospects Team is a fascinating glimpse into the future of the NHL, showcasing the league's most promising young talent. This year's selections are a testament to the depth of talent in the AHL, with a diverse range of players from different backgrounds and playing styles. Here's a deep dive into the six players who made the cut, along with my personal thoughts and analysis.
Sergei Murashov: The Rising Star from Russia
Sergei Murashov, a fourth-round pick by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2022 NHL Draft, is a goaltender who has quickly risen through the ranks. His performance in his first full AHL season was impressive, earning him a spot on the All-Rookie Team. Murashov's numbers are particularly notable: a 2.20 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage in 38 regular-season appearances. What makes Murashov stand out is his ability to backstop his team in crucial moments, as evidenced by his .931 save percentage in 15 playoff starts, leading the Penguins to their first conference finals appearance in 12 years. His NHL debut in November 2025, followed by a shutout victory over Nashville, further cements his potential as a top-tier goaltender.
Adam Engström: The Swedish Defenseman
Adam Engström, a 22-year-old native of Järna, Sweden, is a defensemen who has made a significant impact in the AHL. His 45 regular-season games for the Laval Rocket resulted in 10 goals, 24 assists, and a plus-14 rating, helping the Rocket secure the North Division title. Engström's performance earned him the 2026 AHL All-Star nod, and he also led all AHL defensemen with five game-winning goals. His NHL debut with the Montréal Canadiens in November 2025, followed by a solid performance in 15 games, showcases his potential as a top-pairing defensemen. Engström's Swedish heritage and his ability to make an impact in the AHL make him a player to watch in the future.
Carter Yakemchuk: The Young Canadian Defenseman
Carter Yakemchuk, a 20-year-old from Fort McMurray, Alberta, is a defensemen who had a standout rookie pro campaign with the Belleville Senators. His 10 goals and 30 assists in 54 AHL games, along with his four regular-season games with the Ottawa Senators, make him a promising prospect. Yakemchuk's performance in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, with two assists in one game, further highlights his potential. As the seventh overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, Yakemchuk is a player to watch as he continues to develop and make his mark in the NHL.
Michael Brandsegg-Nygård: The Norwegian Forward
Michael Brandsegg-Nygård, a 20-year-old forward, had a standout season with the Grand Rapids Griffins, scoring 20 goals and adding 24 assists with a plus-17 rating in 60 games. His performance earned him a spot on the Red Wings' opening-night roster, and he went on to appear in 14 NHL games. Brandsegg-Nygård's Calder Cup Playoff success, leading the Griffins in scoring, and his contribution to Norway's historic bronze medal at the 2026 IIHF World Championship, showcase his potential as a top-tier forward. His Norwegian heritage and his ability to make an impact in the AHL make him a player to watch in the future.
Konsta Helenius: The Finnish Scoring Machine
Konsta Helenius, a 20-year-old forward, is a scoring machine who led the Rochester Americans with 63 points in 63 games, setting a franchise record for scoring by a teenager. His NHL debut with the Buffalo Sabres in January 2026, followed by his performance in the Stanley Cup Playoffs and the 2026 IIHF World Championship, further highlights his potential. Helenius' Finnish heritage and his ability to score at a high rate in the AHL make him a player to watch as he continues to develop and make his mark in the NHL.
Ilya Protas: The Russian Sensation
Ilya Protas, a 19-year-old forward, is a sensation who tied for sixth in the league with 66 points in 69 regular-season games for the Hershey Bears. His performance earned him the 2025-26 Dudley (Red) Garrett Memorial Award as the AHL's outstanding rookie. Protas' seven-game goal-scoring streak and six-point game showcase his scoring ability, and his debut with the Washington Capitals in April 2026 further cements his potential as a top-tier forward. His Russian heritage and his ability to make an impact in the AHL make him a player to watch as he continues to develop and make his mark in the NHL.
In conclusion, the AHL's 2025-26 Top Prospects Team is a diverse group of players from different backgrounds and playing styles, each with their own unique story and potential. As they continue to develop and make their mark in the NHL, these players will undoubtedly shape the future of the league, offering fans a glimpse into the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.
