FloHockey’s Chris Peters previews the AHL Pacific Division as the 2026-27 season opens, highlighting a mix of high draft picks, a dominant college netminder and prospects expected to take on top-six roles in the AHL.
Caleb Desnoyers (Tucson) is a 2025 No. 4 overall pick who can play in the AHL at 19 under new rules and projects as a two-way center with scoring ability.
Tij Iginla (Tucson) is a 2024 sixth overall pick and a proven WHL scorer who will use AHL reps to push toward an NHL top-six role.
Michael Hrabal (Tucson) is an NCAA standout goalie (6-foot-7) with elite college numbers (.937 SV% last season,.925 career) now starting his pro development in the AHL.
# Pacific Division prospect snapshot
A sixth-overall pick in 2024, Iginla comes to Tucson after a strong WHL season in which he scored 90 points in 49 games following an injury-shortened campaign. He profiles as a scoring winger with a nose for the net and NHL pedigree. The AHL will give him chances to play in top-six minutes and refine the finishing and decision-making required to move up to the NHL.
McQueen opened the season with the Ducks before being assigned to San Diego. The move is aimed at giving him regular top-six minutes and an opportunity to play the kind of role he is expected to occupy with Anaheim down the road. Peters expects the AHL will be the place McQueen gains practical experience and increased responsibilities through the season.
The preview mentions Tucson hosting Colorado Eagles (Sun, Oct 4, 2:00 AM UTC) as an early chance to watch these prospects in action.
# Bottom line
If you want to track the next wave of NHL players, the Pacific Division's mix of top picks and a dominant college goalkeeper makes it a first-stop scouting ground for the 2026-27 season. Focus on Desnoyers and Iginla for scoring and center/wing development, watch Hrabal for goaltending translation to the pro game, and monitor McQueen for how top-six AHL minutes translate to NHL readiness.
The AHL season starts Friday night. FloHockey's Chris Peters breaks down which top NHL prospects you should be watching in the North Division this year.
Players drafted in the first round of the NHL draft are often expected to become quality pros, if not difference-makers. First-round picks have shaped NHL teams throughout history. They can…
The St. Louis Blues will get their first real look at several of their top prospects in game action when they travel to Chicago for a two-game rookie showcase against…
Here are 10 recent AHL graduates that made NHL opening-night rosters that we'll be watching closely.
Flosports put their full replays on YouTube.
Watch MLB, NBA, NHL, NASCAR, NCAA college football, NCAA college basketball, WNBA, NFL, MLS soccer, F1 racing, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League, LaLiga, Bundesliga and more, all live. Plus, stream acclaimed TV series, live news and award-winning movies. Enjoy Unlimited Cloud DVR and dedicated sports pages
Loading more related stories...
Open the app view to save this story, compare related coverage, and continue from the same source.