2015-16 AHL Impact

With the 2016 Stanley Cup Final in progress, we have the opportunity to look at the developmental impact that the AHL has on the NHL.

The 2015-16 season saw 376 players play in both the American Hockey League and the National Hockey League*. Of those 376 players, 142 made their NHL debut this year, including the Gulls' own Nick Ritchie and Shea Theodore. Of the 47 players playing in the 2016 Stanley Cup Final for the San Jose Sharks and the Pittsburgh Penguins, 41 of them are AHL alumni, showing the huge impact of the NHL's top developmental league. 

The Gulls saw 11 different players called up by the Anaheim Ducks this past season. One of those players, John Gibson, made a strong impact on the Ducks after his call up, posting a 21-13-4 record in 38 starts while splitting duties with Frederik Andersen. Gibson was also selected as one of 44 participants for the 2016 NHL All-Star Weekend.

The excitement builds as the 2015-16 season comes to a close and we near the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, taking place June 24-25, at the First Niagara Center in Buffalo, New York. 30 NHL franchises will welcome in their new talent, the future stars of both the AHL and the NHL. Keep an eye out to catch the names of some of the talented players who you will likely see donning Gulls colors for seasons to come.

*Source: The AHL (www.theAHL.com)