Five Promising AHL Rookie Goalies Set to Break Into NHL Spotlight

• NHL
• AHL

The American Hockey League (AHL), long known for cultivating top-tier goaltending talent, has produced another exciting cohort of rookie goalies. Whether they are fresh prospects or established players from Europe adapting to the North American ice hockey style, they invariably pass through the AHL before reaching the NHL. With goaltending a crucial game aspect, NHL teams invest heavily in their AHL goalkeepers. Here, we spotlight five of the top young goaltenders currently debuting in the NHL's top developmental league.

"Every save is a victory; every victory is a step closer to success."

Clay Stevenson, Hershey (Washington Capitals)

With the departure of veteran goalie Zach Fucale for the Kontinental Hockey League, Clay Stevenson stepped into the spotlight. After playing one NCAA season at Dartmouth University, Stevenson turned pro last season with the Capitals' ECHL affiliate, South Carolina. The 24-year-old currently leads the AHL with three shutouts and has a 5-3-0 record in eight games, with a 1.75 GAA and a .927 save percentage.

Drew Commesso, Rockford (Chicago Blackhawks)

Former Boston University player Drew Commesso, selected in the second round (No. 46) of the 2020 draft, turned pro after three seasons. He signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Blackhawks in April after playing 34 games and helping Boston University reach the Frozen Four semifinal. Currently, Commesso boasts a 4-2-1 record through seven games with a 2.44 GAA and .907 save percentage, along with one shutout.

Joel Blomqvist, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (Pittsburgh Penguins)

Joel Blomqvist, a second-round choice (No. 52) in the 2020 NHL Draft, has already carved out a name for himself. After his second season with Finland's Liiga team, Kärpät Oulu, the Penguins signed Blomqvist to a three-year entry-level contract. During his first season with Kärpät in 2021-22, he dominated the league with a .940 save percentage and clinched a bronze medal at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship. The 21-year-old's current record with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton stands at 5-3-1, with a 2.15 goals-against average and a .916 save percentage.

Erik Portillo, Ontario (Los Angeles Kings)

Erik Portillo, another promising rookie goalie, was acquired by the Kings from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. Portillo, who played three seasons at the University of Michigan, was initially chosen by the Sabres in the third round (No. 67) of the 2019 NHL Draft. The 23-year-old demonstrated his capacity for hard work at Michigan, playing 80 games in his final two seasons. With a current record of 4-1-0 with Ontario, Portillo has a 2.20 GAA, a .917 save percentage, and one shutout.

Ludovic Waeber, Charlotte (Florida Panthers)

Ludovic Waeber, a seasoned player new to North America, brings considerable experience from his six seasons in Switzerland's National League. The 27-year-old, signed to a one-year contract by Florida in June, played 19 games last season with Zurich, recording a 2.50 GAA and a .914 save percentage. Despite fierce competition for playing time in Charlotte, Waeber has managed a 4-2-0 record with a 2.31 GAA and a .913 save percentage in six games.

In conclusion, these five AHL rookie goalies are making their mark and are certainly worth watching. With their impressive skills and promising performances, they are poised to impact the NHL significantly in the short term.