In the world of NHL prospects, there seems to be a significantly higher amount of emphasis placed on major junior and under-20 players as a whole compared to those playing in the American Hockey League, the main feeder and development league for NHL teams. But the truth is that there are quite a few high-profile guys playing in the AHL, or prospects who take significant development jumps after 20 and don't get much attention -- until they hit NHL ice.
With injuries, late-season call-ups and trades likely providing opportunities for a few of them in the days ahead, here's a breakdown of the most notable AHL prospects from my observations and talking to industry sources:
Tim Erixon, D, New York Rangers
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Grant Sonier
Grant Sonier has scouted for six NHL organizations over the past 13 years, most recently for the Atlanta Thrashers during the 2010-11 season. He is a special contributor to ESPN Insider.
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Victoria Matiash
Victoria Matiash has served as a Fantasy Hockey columnist for ESPN.com since 2007, and contributor to NHL Rumor Central since 2010. She lives in Toronto.
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