New AHL Graduates Impact NHL Rosters, including Red Wings' Edvinsson and Kings' Clarke

Simon Edvinsson and Bo Horvat of Brad Penner-Imagn ImagesThe American Hockey League’s (AHL) American Hockey League Development Program is not simply its minor league counterpart; rather it stands alone as its own entity in North America. As one of the premier developmental leagues for players aspiring to the NHL, AHLs provide invaluable experience for preparing them to make that leap into one of its 32 opening day rosters this year. Of those 594 former AHLers among these rosters on opening day was evidenced in this NHL season alone! No matter their playing history or number of seasons spent there, the AHL has played an instrumental role in developing more than 80 percent of NHLers. And some AHLers who spent most of last season have become stand-out performers so early into 2019. Let’s examine those players, examining how seamlessly they have transitioned into their NHL lineups:Brandt Clarke (D, Los Angeles Kings)When Drew Doughty went down due to an injury, Los Angeles desperately needed someone who would step in as his replacement – Brandt Clarke certainly proved capable in doing just that! Brandt Clarke has set himself apart thus far in 2018. Leading his team in assists while being tied for third in scoring overall is just what Brandt is accomplishing this season. He’s making jaw-dropping plays while taking calculated risks on the power play unit he was assigned to this season, continuing the trend he displayed throughout his young career. Although Clarke boasts impressive offensive numbers, his defensive development is the key reason behind him remaining consistently in the lineup throughout 2016. No player can claim perfection in every aspect of their lives or games; but, to his credit, Matty Ice has come into this year stronger and has improved in playing more intelligently within his own end. In order to balance risk/reward factors within his game – something which I feel he has accomplished so far. Clarke has big shoes to fill following Doughty, but Clarke appears capable. Simon Edvinsson of the Detroit Red Wings has been rebuilding for an extended period – most notably Moritz Seider being their only successful blueliner draftee over that span of time. Simon Edvinsson may soon follow in this tradition of success for Detroit Blueline veterans who should provide stability. Early in his young career, Edvinsson made himself part of Detroit’s top pairing alongside Nick Seider; coach Derek Lalonde has demanded excellence from this pair. By far the toughest competition in the NHL is currently facing them and together, this duo has produced impressive results when competing. Edvinsson already looks impressive as an NHL rookie; with four points in 11 games already this season.The Wings appear to have found their future top pair.Joel Blomqvist of the Pittsburgh Penguins has also shown promise this year and their prospects pool is worrying. Tristan Jarry has made quite an impactful return to the AHL for conditioning purposes this season; one highlight has been Joel Blomqvist of Finland who has become one of his team’s go-to goaltenders. Early this season, Alex Nedeljkovic emerged as their top goalie; playing as many games due to this. With an outstanding save percentage of.909 and offering them hope of victory when in net. The Penguins need some stability at center ice and, if that means using 22-year-old Finn Mattias Ekholm as their go-to solution, that should do just fine. Blomqvist must maintain this high level of play if Pittsburgh hopes to climb out of its cellar.Related: NHL Sour Rankings: October’s Worst Teams Include Big SurprisesLogan Stankoven (RW, Dallas Stars) We witnessed his impact upon joining Dallas late last season – we witnessed just how effective Logan Stankoven could be as an opponent-stopping forward who brought scoring power, speed and smarts into play on defense as an effective force on offense and defense alike. Stankoven made up for his undersized frame through tenacity, speed and skill – qualities which enabled him to shine this season as an NHL rookie and rank among its elite rookie players – including Russian star Matvei Michkov of Philadelphia Flyers as frontrunners for the Calder Trophy award race. Michkov and Stankoven share the rookie scoring lead with 10 points each after participating in two less games than each other this season. Stankoven has provided the Stars with a significant boost this year; many anticipated him turning into what many anticipated when their draft year passed by. He may not be big, but his size hasn’t deterred him from becoming an effective offensive force who plays with intensity and pace. For the latest news and trending stories directly delivered right into your inbox subscribe to The Hockey News newsletter here and share your opinions either below the article on THN.com or visit our forum – both are excellent ways for our community to connect!