10/1/26: Numerous Top Prospects Knocking on the NHL’s Door

Please find below a synopsis of some high-level prospects who look to very close to NHL-readiness, and are very likely to occupy a roster spot with their respective teams sooner rather than later.

D-man David Reinbacher, Montreal (5th overall in 2023) – Although this was a surprising roster cut to many, there also is a general consensus that Laval in the AHL is an excellent spot for Reinbacher to continuing to develop his very promising offensive game prior to joining the Canadiens. This is especially true considering that last year was Reinbacher’s first full and injury-free pro season in North America, and while his numbers were solid they were not spectacular (24 points on 5G and 19A through 57 games). Add to this the fact that he still has a penchant for making the odd turnover and taking undisciplined penalties from time to time, and a bit more seasoning in the AHL may be a very good thing.

Forward Cole Eiserman, New York Islanders (20th overall in 2024) – After completing his sophomore season at Boston University and signing with New York, Eiserman received a look last spring at AHL Bridgeport (now Hamilton). In his AHL stint, he registered 9 points (2G 7A) in 12 regular-season games with New York’s affiliate, and also went pointless in two playoff appearances with the club. Eiserman has been made a part of Hamilton’s power-play unit this season, where, along with d-man Kashawn Aitcheson, will utilize their bomb-like shots to generate numerous scoring opportunities.

D-man Anton Silayev, New Jersey Devils (10th overall in 2024) – At 6’7″, the massive and mobile Russian d-man is set to begin his first professional season in North America with three full KHL seasons under his belt. The Devils were hopeful that his offensive game would mature more quickly, but that has yet to materialize given his three-point effort in 61 games in 2025-26. With a very deep D-corps at its disposal, the Devils would like that growth to occur in Utica this season to allow Silayev to hit the ground running when he gets to New Jersey.

D-man Ben Danford, Toronto (31st overall in 2024) – Danford’s journey from junior hockey to the professional ranks a season ago was seamless, appearing as a regular in 16 of the 24 playoff games for the Toronto Marlies en route to their Calder Cup Championship. With his strong pre-season camp, Danford also merited serious consideration from the coaching staff to remain with the Leafs, although he was sent back to the Marlies for the time being. Although projected to arrive in Toronto next season, look for him to be an in-season call-up in 2026-27.