Kirill Gerasimyuk, FLA (152nd overall in 2022 by FLA) – The native of St. Petersburg, Russia is gearing up for his second professional season in North America after posting 16 wins between the pipes for Charlotte of the AHL and Savannah of the ECHL in 2025-26. Although projected to begin the season in Charlotte, he is one of only five goaltenders invited to the Panthers’ main camp, the others being the presumed current tandem of Jacob Markstrom and Akira Schmid, fellow top-10 prospect Cooper Black, and first-year pro Tyler Muszelik. Further improving his chances of landing a spot in Sunrise sooner rather than later is the fact that neither Sergei Bobrovsky nor Daniil Tarasov is with the organization any longer, thus removing very stiff competition in an already-crowded crease. Should he continue to post a save percentage exceeding .900, as he did a season ago, look for him to get an opportunity with the big club at some point this season.
Chase Harrington, CGY (36th overall in 2026 by CGY) – Following an excellent season with the WHL’s Spokane Chiefs in 2025-26 (57 points [29G 28A] in 61 games), the Flames made the left-shot forward their 2nd round pick in this summer’s draft, adding to their top-5 prospect pool. Due to his youth and the fact that he has yet to be under contract with the big club, his time at the main camp most likely is about learning from the veterans and challenging him to elevate his game in meeting NHL expectations. However, with his skill, physicality, and already well-developed frame (6’1″ & 203 pounds), his relocation to Alberta is not out of the question. If he does return to junior hockey, Harrington stands a very good chance of being named to Team Canada’s roster for the 2027 World Junior Championship.
Paul Fischer, EDM (138th overall in 2023 to STL) – Once thought of as having a third-pairing ceiling in the NHL, the always defensively sound Fischer has steadily added to his offensive repertoire in his previous three seasons at the University of Notre Dame. Entering his final year of college hockey, Fischer looks to improve upon his point production from a season ago (23 points [6G 17A] in 33 games), which he has done every season since first suiting up for the Irish. At the conclusion of his final college year, Fischer is projected to begin his professional career this spring either in Edmonton or Bakersfield, depending upon how his season progresses.
