Have you ever wondered what the all-time Bakersfield Condors roster (AHL) would look like? Seth Griffith has 303 points in 308 games, so he’s the No. 1 right wing. Josh Currie has the most goals (103), so he’s the center. Tyler Benson’s 133 assists in 217 games is impressive, so he gets the left wing slot. On defense, Philip Broberg gets the left side and Jordan Oesterle or Ethan Bear could be the top pairing right side. I’lll go Stuart Skinner the No. 1 goalie.
That doesn’t define a minor-league team. It all comes down to graduates. That little area there, the 5 people on an NHL roster each season who could get demoted, and the 5 in the AHL who could get recalled, that’s my area. It’s the top reason I’m a fan. I love the underdog.
The five people projected to make the NHL roster who could land in the AHL during the 2025-26 season are Ike Howard, Mattias Janmark, Kasper Kapanen, David Tomasek and Ty Emberson.
The five men ticketed for the AHL most likely to see NHL action are Alec Regula, Max Jones, Roby Jarventie, Noah Philp and Matt Tomkins. Tomkins? He’s the No. 3 goalie and that means NHL time is a good bet.
I am not including Atro Leppanen because the strength of the LH defense depth chart dictates it. If he establishes himself as a right-side LH blue, maybe he makes it. I’m not sure he does.
Tony Androckitis is a great follow on twitter (@TonyAndrock) and he posted that you could build a pretty strong team from the 30 players who left the AHL for the KHL this season. I agree.
The numbers on the cover photo belong to Jordan Oesterle. He’s a player who didn’t have to play in the KHL because his speed was recognized.
I’ve been focusing on the Condors this week, but will move on to the Oilers again, starting tomorrow. Bakersfield is going to be a fun team this fall and winter. Some fascinating talent on the way to the Condors for 2025-26.
On the Lowdown today, Steve Lansky will join us to talk Jays and Oilers, plus the importance of hockey below the NHL level. Declan Krueger will have his Declanations to five list, and it’s the final Lowdown show for Josh Fenwick as producer. He’s a fine young broadcaster, text in (1.833.401.1440) and wish him luck if you get the time. Sports 1440, noon to 2pm.
A key Edmonton Oilers prospect to watch in 2025-26: Samuel Jonsson
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6552365/2025/08/15/edmonton-oilers-prospect-samuel-jonsson/
— my memory fuzzy but during the lock out strike didn’t all the Steve Austin’s and Jultz end up going down there for a decent stretch ?
— They put up a lot of points but I recall thinking they didn’t actually win games at the rate you’d think with basically an all star line
Stauff again talking about opening up cap space and working towards $1.1MM to $1.8MM.
Of note, Janmark in the AHL opens up apx $1.1MM.
Today is the deadline for NHL clubs to sign their graduated NCAA picks or else lose their rights. There are 27 altogether.
Oilers have Copponi, Mazura, Määttä and Münzenberger to either sign or let walk as UFA’s.
IMO the most interesting name IMO is Jack Hughes, who the Kings chose in the 2nd round in ’22.
In other news, prospecting begins anew in exactly five weeks hence.
I remain baffled on Munzenburger – apparently people much more in the know on him than me don’t think he’s worth an ELC.
Of note, Curlock is on my side in this one too and I trust him as much as anyone on the prospects.
He probably doesn’t move the puck effectively enough for Bowman’s liking. Wright drafted him I could see him ending up in the Kings organization shortly.