Every year each franchise has players who make the jump from the AHL to the NHL.
Whether it's because a prospect is deemed NHL ready, a team wants to a cheaper option to save cap space or anything else, promoting from within every year is necessary in today's NHL.
Lou Lamoriello confirmed to Tom Gulitti that the expectation is to bring up some players from Albany to play full time in the NHL next season.
Via: Fire & Ice blog: Lamoriello would not get into specific players, but said he expects more players to make the jump up from the AHL to the NHL next season.“We do this every year,… he said. “This is not something unique. And we’ll see them at the summer camp.…
Here are five players who spent most of the season in Albany that could potentially start next season in the NHL.
Quick note: Obviously not all five will make the team. Last year's predictions were Reid Boucher, Joe Whitney, Eric Gelinas, Jon Merrill and Alex Urbom.
Reid Boucher - Left Wing Boucher had a very successful season in his first year as a pro. After 23 games in the NHL with the Devils, Boucher went back to Albany second on the team in points/60 minutes of 5 vs 5. Jagr led the team with almost two points/60, while Boucher averaged 1.78. He didn't complain about his demotion, though, went down to Albany and potted 22 goals and almost 40 points in 56 games. With the Devils desperate for goal scoring, it wouldn't be surprising to see Boucher up for good next season.
Adam Henrique scored 25 goals in a full season his last year in Albany, so Boucher was outproducing him on a points/goals per game rate.
Stefan Matteau - Winger After getting a taste of the NHL in 2012-13, Matteau spent the entire 13-14 season trying to get back to the NHL while playing in Albany. He got off to an abysmal start to the season and was struggling to produce any kind of anything, but he finished the year with a respectable 13 goals, and almost 30 points. If the Devils don't re-sign all of Ryan Carter, Stephen Gionta and Steve Bernier, there should be some spots available in the bottom-6.
Mike Sislo - Winger Sislo struggled to produce playing 4th line minutes in the NHL, but I actually liked his game. He drove possession at a 60% rate, which was best on the team, albeit a small sample size. He also had plenty of chances that would have went with a little more luck. He had 41 points in 59 games with Albany, and after three full season playing pro hockey, he should be able to compete for a bottom-6 spot.
Adam Larsson - Defenseman I don't see a scenario where Larsson isn't playing in the NHL come October. He had a good half-season in Albany recording 19 points in 33 games, and already has a lot of NHL experience under his belt. He was caught up in a numbers game, and because the surprising emergence of Jon Merrill and Eric Gelinas, he was the casualty. Between a potential Anton Volchenkov buyout, having two UFA defensemen to sign and any potential trades, there will be a spot for him.
Update: Larsson would have to clear waivers to go down to Albany next season, which obviously wouldn't happen, so he'll be on the team.
Keith Kinkaid - Goaltender Kinkaid's chances of making the NHL will be known long before October. If Martin Brodeur or any other established goaltenders are signed, he'll play at least one more season in Albany. If a guy like Scott Clemmensen is brought in as competition, or no goaltender is signed, then a good camp from Kinkaid will be enough to make the team as Cory Schneider's backup.
**
Scouting reports
Devils posts
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email: NHLToddCordell@Gmail.com