Which IceHogs Make the Jump Next Season?
Of the 41 skaters that suited up for the Rockford IceHogs this season, who could stick with the NHL squad out of training camp next season?
The most obvious candidate is top prospect Lukas Reichel, who is currently on the NHL roster, but has spent most of the 2021-22 season in Rockford. Reichel hasn't found his offensive touch in seven NHL games, but produced 49 points in 49 AHL games, so the organization is hoping his transition is just a matter of time.
Mike Hardman and Josiah Slavin represent a couple other forwards with NHL experience and a shot to make the team out of camp next season.
As for the blueline, Isaak Phillips, Jakub Galvas, Ian Mitchell, Wyatt Kalynuk and Alec Regula will likely all be competing for one or two lineup slots, with each having gotten stints in the NHL this season. Mitchell and Kalynuk seem to have been passed over by the other three as the season has progressed.
Speaking of being overlooked, Nicolas Beaudin, Andrei Altybarmakyan and Evan Barratt have had some of their toughest professional seasons to this point. This season may have been one of the last chances for Altybarmakyan and Barratt with the organization.
Michal Teply started the season slowly, but picked up momentum as the season wore on and may end up being a dark horse to make the NHL team out of training camp in 2022-23.
| POLL | ||
Who would you rather see make the jump? | ||
| Slavin | 25 | 12.6 % |
| Reichel | 87 | 43.9 % |
| Kalynuk | 45 | 22.7 % |
| Other | 41 | 20.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
