This article focuses on top prospects/potential early call-ups for Carolina (Nadeau), Chicago (Boisvert), Dallas (Hemming) & Detroit (Bear).
Forward Bradly Nadeau, Carolina (30th overall in 2023) – The Canes sent Nadeau to AHL Chicago despite registering a point in each of the three exhibition games in which he participated for Carolina, and he has a recorded an additional goal through two games with the Wolves. He is the first player in line as a call-up option, although Head Coach Rod Brind’Amour stressed he will be brought up only when there is a proper fit for his high-end offensive skill set, thus no fourth-line minutes. Such a situation may already exist, as top-six forward Seth Jarvis is still inactive as he recovers from off-season shoulder surgery. If the offense sputters in Jarvis’ absence, Nadeau may be promoted to kick-start the Canes’ scoring attack.
Forward Sacha Boisvert, Chicago (18th overall in 2024) – Boisvert had a highly impressive off-season and a strong showing at the Hawks’ 2026 training camp, though he was ultimately assigned to the AHL Rockford to start the season. What was particularly noticeable was Boisvert’s impressive 15-pound muscle increase, leading to a major boost in his confidence, strength, power, and speed. Much like Nadeu, his AHL assignment was solely a product of logging top-line minutes in Rockford, as opposed to either being buried on the fourth line or a healthy scratch in center-heavy Chicago.
Forward Emil Hemming, Dallas (29th overall in 2024) – Hemming also had a strong showing during the Dallas Stars’ training camp and preseason, though he was ultimately reassigned to start his first full professional season in AHL Texas. The 20-year-old Finnish winger entered camp with high expectations and generated optimism that he might crack the Stars’ opening-night roster, and impressed the coaching staff with his off-season conditioning, scary hard shot, and physical presence (6’1″ 205 LBS). GM Jim Nill sees Hemming’s AHL stint, whether short-lived or not, as a crucial step in adjusting to the speed and pace of professional North American hockey prior to moving on to Dallas.
Forward Carter Bear, Detroit (13th overall in 2025) – Bear performed very well at the Wings’ camp, and his major physical enhancements were not lost on Head Coach Todd McLellan. McLellan noted a massive physical difference from his previous camp appearance, with Bear filling out his 6-foot-1, 190-pound frame into a mature, pro-ready build to go along with an incredibly high motor and compete level. Bear currently is sidelined for roughly 7-10 days with an upper-body injury, and, although he appears on the Wings’ injured reserve list, is expected to be assigned to AHL Grand Rapids once healthy.
