Pittsburgh prospect Rutger McGroarty has been sent back to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton following his activation from injured reserve due to a concussion. Having said that, this demotion appears to be much more of a conditioning stint to get the young prospect back to NHL speed. McGroarty will join fellow forward prospect Tristan Broz in the AHL, who has 28 points (14G 14A) in 36 games this season as he appears primed for a return call-up to the big club. Broz was called up briefly earlier this month, then sent back down after a one-game stint.
Speaking of call-ups, Buffalo prospect Konsta Helenius and New Jersey’s Lenni Hameenaho each made their NHL debuts this week. Helenius has 3 points (1G 2A) in two games with the Sabres, while Hameenaho has been held off the score sheet thus far. Buffalo declined to permit Helenius to compete for Finland at the World Junior Championship this season to continue his professional development. Early on, that decision appears to be the correct one.
Also, attached is a link to a recent and very thorough New York Islanders prospect report. In particular, this report highlights the accolades of d-man Kashawn Aitcheson. Aitcheson is having his way in the OHL this season, with 41 points (22G 19A) in 33 games with the Barrie Colts thus far in 2025-26.
https://www.nhl.com/islanders/news/islanders-prospect-report-jan-19-2026