The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed Brett Murray to a PTO and the Florida Panthers have signed Daniel Walcott and Josh Lopina professional tryouts, per Frank Seravalli. 

Murray notched 27 goals and 49 points in 66 games with the Rochester Americans last season, finishing second on the team in both categories.

The 27-year-old has 206 points in 325 career AHL games and six points in 26 career NHL games. 

A fourth round selection of the Buffalo Sabres in 2016, Murray would be a great veteran addition to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and could play NHL games for the Pittsburgh Penguins if needed.

Walcott had four goals and 12 points in 61 games with the Syracuse Crunch last season.

A respected leader, the 31-year-old served as an assistant captain with the Crunch for eight seasons and won the AHL's Yanick Dupré Memorial Award for his involvement in the community in 2024. 

A fifth round selection of the New York Rangers in 2014, Walcott has 147 points and 568 penalty minutes in 495 career AHL games and is pointless in one career NHL game with the Tampa Bay Lightning. 

Lopina recorded three goals and 13 points in 62 games with the San Diego Gulls last season.

A fourth round selection of the Anaheim Ducks in 2021, he has accumulated 44 points in 203 career AHL games. 

Murray and Walcott were named on our top remaining AHL free agents list earlier this week. 

Check out our AHL to KHL signing tracker and AHL Free Agency signing tracker.  

The goaltender is arguably the most important position in hockey. It is believed that without a great goalie between the pipes, a team has little chance of winning silverware, let alone hoisting the Stanley Cup.

All netminders start somewhere. Some are excellent right out of the draft, but many goaltenders need time to develop before they make it to the big stage. Here is a list made up of goaltenders who had a great 2024-25 campaign in the AHL and have a decent chance of earning multiple games in the NHL in this upcoming season.

Jet Greaves, Cleveland Monsters

Jet Greaves had a stellar season with the Cleveland Monsters last season in the AHL. In 40 appearances, the 24-year-old recorded a .920 save percentage and a 2.62 goals against average. He showed out to be one of the best goalies in the league last year.

Even in the post-season, despite a second-round exit for the Monsters, Greaves put up solid numbers - a .912 SP and 2.67 GAA.

All signs point in the direction of Greaves taking on a big role with the Columbus Blue Jackets in the NHL. To conclude the 2024-25 season, he played five straight games for the Blue Jackets. The Cambridge, Ont. native finished all those contests with a save percentage of .950 or higher, including two shutouts.

Leevi Merilainen, Belleville Senators

Leevi Merilainen is another goaltender who is set to become an NHL regular this season. In the off-season, the Ottawa Senatorssigned Merilainen to a one-year deal worth $1.05 million. His brief time in the NHL last season, as well as his AHL campaign with the Belleville Senators, put him on this path.

With Belleville in his second full AHL season, Merilainen recorded a .913 SP and a 2.37 GAA, along with four shutouts. In his 12 NHL appearances, the Finnish netminder registered an 8-3-1 record, earning a 1.99 GAA and .925 SP.

Now, with former Senators goaltender Anton Forsberg with the Los Angeles Kings, Merilainen has a wide-open opportunity to become Ottawa’s full-time backup.

Matthew Murray, Milwaukee Admirals

The Milwaukee Admirals’ goaltender Matthew Murray is coming off his third full season in the AHL. He had a great campaign, recording a 2.07 GAA and a league-leading .932 SP. His performances last season should be enough to draw the attention of the Nashville Predators in his first year with the organization.

Murray, 27, has spent the previous three years in the Dallas Stars’ system before the Predators signed him to a two-year, $1.55-million contract ahead of last season. He played four total NHL games with the Stars, but hasn’t featured in The Show since his 23-save shutout against the Minnesota Wild on Jan. 8, 2024.

Justus Annunen is Nashville’s current backup goalie. He is the measuring stick for Murray, and his biggest competition if he wants to make the Preds’ lineup.

Carl Lindbom, Henderson Silver Knights

Carl Lindbom is the only netminder on this list who hasn’t featured in the NHL. Lindbom was a rookie in the AHL with the Henderson Silver Knights. The 22-year-old played 36 games, putting up a .912 SP and a 2.65 GAA.

The Vegas Golden Knights drafted the Stockholm native in the seventh round of the 2022 draft. Since then, he’s spent multiple years in his home country, playing in the Swedish League. Before last season’s campaign with the Silver Knights, Lindbom played 26 games for Farjestad, recording a 2.12 GAA and .911 SP with two shutouts along the way.

It’ll be challenging for Lindbom to sneak his way onto the Golden Knights’ roster after just one season in North America. However, Akira Schmid, who is projected to be Vegas’ backup goalie next season, also featured in the AHL last year. Schmid played 30 games, registering a .886 SP and 3.58 GAA, making Lindbom’s numbers look even better.

Check out our AHL to KHL signing tracker and AHL Free Agency signing tracker.  

The Providence Bruins announced they have signed forward Jacob Perreault to a one-year deal for the 2025-26 AHL season. 

Perreault went pointless is in six games with the Laval Rocket and notched five points in five ECHL games before being dealt to the Bakersfield Condors where he picked up three goals and 14 points in 31 games.

A first round pick of the Anaheim Ducks in 2020, Perreault has 36 goals and 107 points in 218 career AHL games with the Rocket, Condors, and San Diego Gulls. He is pointless in one career NHL game with the Ducks. 

The 23-year-old has flashed high-end offensive skills at different points throughout his AHL career and looks to become a more consistent producer with a good Providence team. 

📰 PROVIDENCE BRUINS SIGN JACOB PERREAULT TO AHL CONTRACThttps://t.co/eDqv5PJpAf

— Providence Bruins (@AHLBruins) September 10, 2025

Check out our AHL to KHL signing tracker and AHL Free Agency signing tracker.  

The key to being a successful team in the big leagues is depth in all positions. One of the most crucial and effective positions is the center position. They facilitate the offense, they play on both sides of the ice, and they’re in the dot for faceoffs.

Last season, the AHL saw a handful of centers stand out, and they likely caught the attention of their NHL clubs. Here are a few AHL centers with a chance to make it to the NHL next season. 

Luca Del Bel Belluz, Cleveland Monsters

Luca Del Bel Belluz has played parts of two seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Cleveland Monsters. In the AHL last season, he saw a big jump in offensive production. 

In his first year in Cleveland, he scored nine goals and 31 points in 58 games, finishing sixth on the team in scoring. Last year, the 21-year-old registered 27 goals and 53 points in 61 appearances, good enough for third-best on the Monsters’ roster.

Despite playing 16 NHL games across those two years, Del Bel Belluz has played his way into the conversation of playing even more games with the Blue Jackets next year.

Alex Steeves, Providence Bruins

Alex Steeves has been a top player in the AHL for several seasons now. Since signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs organization in 2021, he has played four seasons with the Toronto Marlies. 

In each of those seasons, Steeves has been a top-three scorer on his team. Last year was his best, as he scored 36 goals and 62 points in 58 games, finishing second in the AHL in goals and eighth in points. In addition, Steeves became the Marlies’ all-time leader in goals (105) and points (216).

With those accolades and consistency, Steeves should be destined to get a full NHL season with the Boston Bruins, who signed him in free agency to a one-year deal. 

Bradly Nadeau and Ryan Suzuki, Chicago Wolves

Bradley Nadeau and Ryan Suzuki are both in a similar position when it comes to where they stand for the Chicago Wolves and their chances with the Carolina Hurricanes. 

These centers, who are also capable of playing the wing, finished one point away from each other last season in the AHL. Nadeau scored 32 goals and 58 points in what was his rookie season, while Suzuki recorded 12 tallies and 59 points, leading the Wolves in scoring.

One distinguishable attribute between these two players is that Nadeau, 20, is far younger than Suzuki, 24. If either of these players gets an honest look in the NHL, it could all depend on how management sees the situation. One could be called up because they have more experience, or the other may get that opportunity because they have shown more promise at a younger age.

Check out our AHL to KHL signing tracker and AHL Free Agency signing tracker.

As training camp approaches, prospects are looking to challenge for a spot on their NHL teams.

As hard as they compete, sometimes it’s best for these young players to spend some time in the AHL to mature and get more ice time than they would in the NHL. Nonetheless, they’ll bring plenty of excitement to the American League.

While it’s possible for these players to see games in the NHL, here are three players to look out for in their first AHL season.

Easton Cowan, LW, Toronto Marlies

Easton Cowan is easily the most coveted prospect in the Toronto Maple Leafs organization. After trading away Fraser Minten to the Boston Bruins for Brandon Carlo and a 2026 first-round pick, Cowan stands alone at the top of the prospect chart.

The left winger is coming off back-to-back OHL championships and a Memorial Cup victory last year. Along the way, Cowan picked up many awards and accolades from his exceptional play, especially in the post-season. 

The 20-year-old has led the OHL in playoff points for the last two seasons, was named OHL playoffs MVP, Memorial Cup MVP, and led the Memorial Cup in points twice, in addition to other achievements.

Cowan has accomplished and performed like a player who should be a regular NHL player in no time, so his first season with the Toronto Marlies in the AHL should be one to watch for Maple Leafs fans and hockey fans.

Andrew Cristall, C, Hershey Bears

Andrew Cristall had a season for the ages last year for the WHL’s Kelowna Rockets and the Spokane Chiefs. He scored 48 goals and led the WHL with 132 points in 57 games. He was just as impressive in the playoffs, leading the league in goals with 21 tallies and recording 41 points in 19 games, which puts him in the top 10 for most points in a WHL post-season.

Cristall was selected in the second round of the 2023 draft by the Washington Capitals and could be set to debut for the Hershey Bears next season. 

The Bears have been a force to reckon with for the past three seasons, winning two straight Calder Cups in that span. The addition of Cristall could make their case for a third Calder Cup in four years all the more plausible.

Detroit’s Sandin-Pellikka Among Rookie Defensemen To Look Out For Next AHL SeasonNHL Training camp will be kicking off soon, and each team’s prospects will be looking to fight for their spot on that roster.

Brayden Yager, C, Manitoba Moose

Brayden Yager is a complete, two-way center who has recorded three straight solid seasons in the WHL. Last season, he registered 82 points in 54 contests between the Moose Jaw Warriors and the Lethbridge Hurricanes. 

In Yager’s five-year junior career, he was named CHL and WHL rookie of the year, a Hlinka Gretzky gold medalist and a WHL champion with the Warriors in 2023-24.

He was also named captain for Team Canada at the latest World Junior Championship. Yager recorded three helpers in that tournament.

The 20-year-old from Saskatoon is ready for a new challenge next season - whether that’s a sniff with the Winnipeg Jets in the NHL or a season with the Manitoba Moose in the AHL - he’ll be one to look out for.

Check out our AHL to KHL signing tracker and AHL Free Agency signing tracker.

The Ottawa Senators have signed defenseman Donovan Sebrango to a one-year, two-way contract for the 2025-26 season, per PuckPedia. 

The contract will pay him $775,000 at the NHL level and $140,000 in the AHL. He was tendered a qualifying offer by the Senators on July. 1.

Sebrango notched eight goals and 20 points in 50 games with the Belleville Senators while serving as an assistant captain and went pointless in two games with Ottawa last season, the first NHL games of his career. 

The Ottawa, Ont., native has 13 goals and 45 points in 220 career AHL games with the Senators and Grand Rapids Griffins. 

Originally a third round selection of the Detroit Red Wings in 2020, Sebrango was dealt to Ottawa in July 2023 in the trade that sent Alex DeBrincat to Detroit. 

The 23-year-old seems set to play big minutes in Belleville and could be in line for more NHL games with Ottawa's lack of left-handed defensive depth.

198 AHL games.
27 ECHL games.

1st NHL game for Donovan Sebrango. #Senspic.twitter.com/jB8aTbaN7n

— Claire Hanna (@clahanna) January 16, 2025

Check out our AHL to KHL signing tracker and AHL Free Agency signing tracker.

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced they have signed goaltender Dennis Hildeby to a three-year contract.

The deal has an $841,000 AAV and will pay him $350,000 while in the AHL in 2025-26. The contract is a two-way deal for the first two seasons and becomes a one-way in 2027-28.

Hildeby had a record of 16-9-7 with a .908 SP and 2.55 GAA with the Toronto Marlies and a 3-3 record with a .878 SP and 3.33 GAA with the Maple Leafs last season, the first NHL starts of his career. 

The 24-year-old has a 37-21-14 record with a .908 SP in 73 career AHL appearances and represented the North Division at the 2023-24 All-Star Game. 

A fourth round selection of the Maple Leafs in 2022, Hildeby has now completed two full seasons in North America and appears to be a significant part of Toronto's plans in the future. 

Hildeby will likely start the majority of games for the Marlies and seems to be first in line for a recall to the Maple Leafs. 

We’ve signed goaltender Dennis Hildeby to a three-year contract extension pic.twitter.com/cjEmwXc1Zk

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) September 2, 2025

Check out our AHL to KHL signing tracker and AHL Free Agency signing tracker.

Five-time AHL All-Star and two-time Fred T. Hunt Memorial Award winner Cal O'Reilly has signed a contract with the SCL Tigers of the Swiss NL until the end of October with an option to extend. 

One of the most prolific players in AHL history, O'Reilly recorded 177 goals, 606 assists, and 783 points in 1022 games over parts of 18 seasons. He has the eighth most games played in league history, sits sixth all-time in assists, and is 18th all-time in points. 

The 38-year-old recorded 11 goals and 49 points in 68 games to lead the Milwaukee Admirals in scoring last season and was an assistant captain. 

A fifth round selection of the Nashville Predators in 2005, O'Reilly has 16 goals and 49 points in 145 career NHL games with the Predators, Phoenix Coyotes, Pittsburgh Penguins, Buffalo Sabres, and Minnesota Wild.

O'Reilly is known as a fantastic leader and won the Fred T. Hunt Memorial Award as the AHL player who best exemplifies sportsmanship in 2021 and 2025. He served as captain with four different AHL franchises over his career. 

An AHL All-Star in 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, and 2019, O'Reilly led the Calder Cup Playoffs in assists in 2015. 

While he is only signed until the end of October there is a good chance we have seen O'Reilly's Hall of Fame AHL career come to an end. 

Check out our AHL to KHL signing tracker and AHL Free Agency signing tracker.

Former Rockford IceHogs forward Zach Sanford has signed a one-year contract with HC Lugano of the Swiss NL for the 2025-26 season.

Sanford recorded 19 goals and 43 points in 70 games with Rockford last season.

The 30-year-old racked up 49 goals and 104 points in 334 career NHL games with the Washington Capitals, St. Louis Blues, Ottawa Senators, Winnipeg Jets, Nashville Predators, Arizona Coyotes and Chicago Blackhawks. 

He notched 20 points in 60 regular season games and four points in eight playoff games with the Blues in 2018-19 on the way to a Stanley Cup win. 

The Salem, Mass., native has 54 goals and 110 points in 196 career AHL games with the IceHogs, Hershey Bears, Chicago Wolves, San Antonio Rampage, Milwaukee Admirals, and Tucson Roadrunners.

✍ L’Hockey Club Lugano comunica di aver siglato un contratto valido per la stagione 2025/26 con l’attaccante statunitense Zach Sanford.

Benvenuto a Lvgano, Zach! ⚪🟡⚫https://t.co/T20j16bzQv

— Hockey Club Lugano (@OfficialHCL) August 25, 2025

Sanford, Mike Sgarbossa, and Connor Carrick all spent last year in the AHL and will suit up for Lugano in 2025-26. 

Check out our AHL Free Agency signing tracker here.        

With the NHL training camps and the KHL regular season set to begin in just under one month we wanted to take a look at the massive group of players who have departed the AHL for the KHL during the 2025 free agency period.

As of Aug. 23 30 players who played a significant portion of the 2024-25 season in the AHL have signed in the KHL for the 2025-26 season.

The AHL veteran rule and higher salaries are likely the two main reasons for the exodus of players to the KHL.

The AHL veteran rule concerns players who have played 321 or more professional games in the AHL, NHL, or Europe. Veteran Exempt players are players who have played between 260-320 games.

Teams are allowed a combined six veteran and veteran exempt players per game, at least one must be a veteran exempt player. 

Additionally, the new NHL CBA rules will allow teams to place one 19-year-old CHL player in the AHL beginning in the 2026-27 season. This will continue to make the AHL a young mans league. 

Every player who played in the AHL last season, the team they left, and their current KHL team are listed below. 

Mason Morelli (F) - Henderson Silver Knights - Barys Astana 

Mike Vecchione (F) - Hershey Bears - Traktor Chelyabink - Barys Astana

Tyce Thompson (F) - Bridgeport Islander - Barys Astana

Nate Sucese (F) - Hartford Wolf Pack - Shanghai Dragons

Riley Sutter (F) - Hershey Bears - Shanghai Dragons

Reilly Walsh (D) - Ontario Reign - Barys Astana 

Jake Massie (D) - Hershey Bears -  Barys Astana 

Gage Quinney (F) - Henderson Silver Knights - Shanghai Dragons

Jake Bischoff (D) - Henderson Silver Knights - Shanghai Dragons

Olivier Rodrigue (G) - Bakersfield Condors - Barys Astana

Rocco Grimaldi (F) - Cleveland Monsters - SKA St. petersburg

Joseph Blandisi (F) - Toronto Marlies - SKA St. Petersburg

Alex Limoges (F) - Hershey Bears - Dinamo Minsk

Andrew Poturalski (F) - San Jose Barracuda - Avangard Omsk

Daniel Sprong (F) - Coachella Valley Firebirds - CSKA Moskva

Joseph Cecconi (D)  - Ontario Reign - Avangard Omsk

Maxime Lajoie (D)  - Coachella Valley Firebirds - Avangard Omsk

Chase Priskie (D) - Hershey Bears - Sibir Novosibirsk

Pierrick Dube (F) - Hershey Bears - Traktor Chelyabink

Ty Smith (D) - Chicago Wolves - Dinamo Minsk 

Louis Domingue (G) - Hartford Wolf Pack - Sibir Novosibirsk

Joseph Keane (D) - San Jose Barracuda - Spartak Moskva

Noel Hoefenmayer (D)  - Laval Rocket - HK Sochi

William Dufour (F) - Colorado Eagles - Lada Togliatti 

Rhett Gardner (F) - Lehigh Valley Phantoms - CSKA Moskva

Spencer Martin (G) - Chicago Wolves - CSKA Moskva

Brandon Biro (F) - Coachella Valley Firebirds - Ak Bars Kazan 

Chris Driedger (G) - Manitoba Moose - Traktor Chelyabinsk

Mac Hollowell (D)  - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins - Lokomotiv Yaroslavl

Vasili Ponomarev (F) - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins - Avangard Omsk

Reigning AHL MVP Andrew Poturalski, All-Star Rocco Grimaldi, and Calder Cup champions Chase Priskie and Mike Vecchione are among the biggest names on this list. 

Check out our AHL Free Agency signing tracker here.