Forward Carter Mazur, Detroit (70th overall in 2021) – Mazur’s strong two-way play and relentless fore-checking has him right in the middle of contending for a bottom-six role with the Wings this season. Mazur frequently has been part of a third-line combination alongside Nate Danielson and Michael Bradsdegg-Nygard (two projected full-time Detroiters), and has coaches taking notice of their on-ice chemistry in providing energy, grit and scoring prowess to the Wings’ forward group. Although projected to begin the season in AHL Grand Rapids, with his standout performance at camp, such as his recent two-goal effort in the team’s latest scrimmage, Mazur is making a push to change that expectation.
Forward Nick Lardis, Chicago (67th overall in 2023) – Always a point-producer, Lardis has stood out at the Blackhawks’ camp with his strong rwo-way play and overall confidence on both sides of the puck. This resulted in a two-point effort (1G 1A), coupled with a +2 player rating, in his lone pre-season game thus far, a 4-3 OT win versus Minnesota this past Monday. What has impressed Coach Jeff Blashill the most is Lardis’ enhanced physical strength and use of his speed during his off-the-puck play, both points of emphasis for Lardis in the off-season. This is paying immediate dividends for the Oakville, ON native. The afore-mentioned goal versus the Wild came via a Lardis-created turnover in stripping Minnesota d-man Daemon Hunt of the puck, then using his speed to draw a penalty while finishing the chance.
Goaltender Jacob Fowler, Montreal (69th overall in 2023) – Fowler is having a very strong training camp and looks like he belongs in the NHL. However, as General Manager Kent Hughes has stated the Habs will not carry three goaltenders into the regular season, he is still expected to start the season with the Laval Rocket in the AHL. The reason Fowler is likely to be the Laval returnee is twofold, the first and most obvious being that he remains exempt from the waiver process. Also, for his continued development the Canadiens want him to receive a heavier workload, as opposed to sitting on the bench as an NHL backup. Having said that, he continues to participate in the top group with presumed tandem Jakub Dobes and Samuel Montembault, and has surrendered only one goal thus far in pre-season action.
D-man Kashawn Aitcheson, New York Islanders (17th overall in 2025) – Drawing upon his offensive prowess and nasty edge, Aitcheson has very much impressed the coaching staff with his enhanced defensive awareness, coupled with a successful channeling of his aggression in not sacrificing positional soundness in chasing big hits. His efforts have not gone unnoticed by Head Coach Pete DeBoer, who rewarded the left-shot d-man by inserting him into a veteran-laden lineup against the New York Rangers in a 4-3 victory at Madison Square Garden this past Tuesday. Aitcheson has firmly played himself into top consideration for an early NHL call-up with his excellent camp, although he is expected to be a victim of a numbers game and start the season in the AHL with the Hamilton Hammers.
Forward Sam O’Reilly, Tampa Bay (32nd overall in 2024 by Edmonton) – O’Reilly is turning heads and making a strong impression at Tampa Bay’s camp, and earned praise from Head Coach Jon Cooper following a solid performance in the preseason opener. In that game, a 2-1 victory over Nashville, O’Reilly skated on a line with NHL players Gage Goncalves and Conor Geekie, and also received time on the penalty-killing unit alongside veteran Jeffrey Viel. Although projected to start the season in AHL Syracuse, the Lightning’s top prospect remains firmly in the mix to earn a roster spot out of camp.
