Yeah I guess I'm thinking most impact players don't spend much time in the AHL. I have also seen GRG win 2 calder cups in the last handful of years and I know DET has had a terrible prospect pool that entire time.
- Feds91Stammer

Oh, absolutely. The 97-98 Philadelphia Phantoms' leading scorers were Mike Maneluk, Jim Montgomery, Shawn McCosh, Jamie Heward, and Peter White. Andy Delmore and Colin Forbes were the most accomplished NHL skaters from that group (White actually played 200+ games, too). The only player from the team that had any NHL impact was Brian Boucher.

But again, this was a team that relied on AHL vets primarily because they had no prospects. The 04/05 Phantoms, on the other hand, were led by Jeff Carter, Mike Richards, and Patrick Sharp.

Yeah I guess I'm thinking most impact players don't spend much time in the AHL. I have also seen GRG win 2 calder cups in the last handful of years and I know DET has had a terrible prospect pool that entire time.
- Feds91Stammer

Look how shunned the Pens prospect pool was for years. Always rated 30th, or towards the bottom of the league, but they've had a handful of players come up in the past 3 years that have had a major impact on their fortunes.

I think it was basically a lazy narrative based on the fact they'd traded so many 1st rounders and other picks the past 9 or 10 years.

No, 2 different teams. Recreation baseball game at 6. AAU baseball practice 8-10 in North Strabane.
- TaxMan22

Children are fun but grandchildren are funner. You get to drop them off at your kid's house.

Except Malkin had the most 5v5 on ice scoring chances and high danger shot attemps.
- Feds91Stammer

And that's what's scary, he still has much more to give, no?

Look how shunned the Pens prospect pool was for years. Always rated 30th, or towards the bottom of the league, but they've had a handful of players come up in the past 3 years that have had a major impact on their fortunes.

I think it was basically a lazy narrative based on the fact they'd traded so many 1st rounders and other picks the past 9 or 10 years.
- MattStrat

Too many prospect ratings are based on the perception of the player when they were drafted and the position they were drafted in.

Look at Brayden Point.

3rd round pick with 91 points in 72 games in his draft year. Small player and wasn't the greatest skater at the time.

Doubt he was ever considered a guy that was a top prospect that would skip the AHL.

It's a tough spot to do it but I'd actually love to see Sprong get a spot in the lineup tonight. Simon looks good at times but I think Sprong can be used more effectively as a pure sniper. Just give him favorable zone starts and give him a shot.
- MacPatty

I agree with wanting to see Sprong tonight. IMHO Simon can't beat NHL goaltending. Also Rust can easily replace Simon on the top line. That way you can bench Sprong if you are protecting a lead.

Children are fun but grandchildren are funner. You get to drop them off at your kid's house.
- powerhouse

I'll take your word for it. I'm not quite there yet. My other child will start college in the fall.

Going to be 60 minutes of war. If you think these Pens will go down easy, think again.

I'll take your word for it. I'm not quite there yet. My other child will start college in the fall.
- TaxMan22

Getting close.

And that's what's scary, he still has much more to give, no?
- WSCTeton17

If his shot goes in to make to make it 4-2 in game 4 instead of hitting the post, we maybe have a much different series right now. All 3 of the most recent series vs the Caps have been incredibly close...down to a few plays in each series. The Pens haven't gotten the timely goals or the goaltending this time around. I kind of feel like they are due.

It depends on how you construct your AHL team. If you are truly using it as a developmental league and have success, then you should have at least a handful of good NHL-caliber prospects. Maybe not superstars, but decent players. If, on the other hand, it's an AHL-vet team that is built simply for success at the AHL level, it's a different story.

Of course, there's no direct correlation. At the AHL level, players like Brandon Manning and TJ Brennan are All Stars. But those guys are AHL tweeners/6-7 D guys at the NHL Level with little room to improve. So while AHL success doesn't equal a good prospect pool, one could assume that there are at least a few decent NHL players (middle 6 forwards, bottom-3 defenders) on any AHL championship team.
- jmatchett383

agreed, I do think it has changed just like the game has changed, you need 4 skilled lines to compete, your AHL team has to have developing talent for the NHL.

C'mon Murray.....