The American Hockey League has officially unveiled its 2025-26 Top Prospects Team, highlighting six players considered the most promising prospects for the future NHL. The team, selected by the league’s hockey operations department in collaboration with AHL general managers, includes three forwards, two defensemen, and one goaltender. Each player meets strict criteria, including age and game participation limits, to ensure the recognition reflects top-tier developmental talent.
Sergei Murashov of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins leads the team as the goaltender. The 22-year-old, selected by Pittsburgh in the fourth round of the 2022 NHL Draft, had a stellar first full AHL season, posting a 2.20 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage in 38 games. Murashov made his NHL debut with the Penguins on Nov. 9, 2025, and earned his first NHL victory with a shutout in Stockholm. His .931 save percentage in 15 playoff starts helped the Penguins reach the conference finals for the first time in 12 years.
On defense, Adam Engström of the Laval Rocket was a standout. The 22-year-old from Sweden recorded 34 points (10 goals, 24 assists) in 45 games and led all AHL defensemen with five game-winning goals. Engström made his NHL debut on Nov. 26 and played 15 games for the Canadiens, averaging over 13 minutes of ice time per game. His plus-14 rating helped Laval win the North Division.
Carter Yakemchuk, the seventh overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, made an immediate impact with the Belleville Senators. The 20-year-old tallied 40 points (10 goals, 30 assists) in 54 games and played four games with the Ottawa Senators, recording a goal and an assist in his debut. Yakemchuk also contributed two assists in a Stanley Cup Playoff game against Carolina.
Michael Brandsegg-Nygård of the Grand Rapids Griffins was a rookie sensation. The 20-year-old first-round pick scored 44 points (20 goals, 24 assists) in 60 games and led the Griffins in playoff scoring with eight points in eight games. He also helped Norway win a historic bronze at the 2026 IIHF World Championship with six points in five games.
Konsta Helenius and Ilya Protas headline the forward group. Helenius, a 20-year-old from Finland, led Rochester with 63 points and set a franchise record for scoring by a teenager. He played in the Stanley Cup Playoffs with Buffalo and scored the gold medal-winning goal for Finland at the 2026 IIHF World Championship. Protas, 19, earned the Dudley (Red) Garrett Memorial Award as the AHL’s top rookie, recording 66 points in 69 games. His 66 points rank fourth all-time among teenagers in the AHL.
These six players are now on the radar of NHL teams and will be closely watched as they continue to develop. With the 2026-27 season approaching, the next step for many will be more opportunities at the NHL level.
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