A late-round draft pick considered a long shot to make an NHL roster, Toronto forward prospect Miroslav Holinka (2024 5th round, 151st overall) has emerged as a dominant WHL force for the Edmonton Oil Kings. Coming to North America last season after competing in Czechia’s top pro league, Holinka has 65 points (30G 35A) in just 43 games this season, while facing his opponent’s top-six players on a nightly basis. Highlighting his versatility is the fact that 20 of his goals have come on the power play, while another 4 are of the short-handed variety.
Competing for Boston University and the University of Massachusetts, respectively, are Chicago forward prospects Sacha Boisvert and Vaclav Nestrasil, both of whom have been solid offensive contributors for their teams this season. Despite limited game action due to injury and a fighting suspension, Boisvert (2024 1st round, 18th overall) has managed 15 points (3G 12A) in 20 games, good for second on the team in points per game. Meanwhile, Nestrasil (2025 1st round, 25th overall) has used his massive 6’6″ frame to become the team’s second-leading scorer, tallying 23 points (11G 12A) in 28 games. Both are expected to compete in the NCAA next season before jumping to the AHL.
Like Nestrasil, Detroit goalie prospect Sebastian Cossa also stands 6’6,” and has used his stature to stymie opponents all season. An AHL All-Star, Cossa (2021 1st round, 15th overall) has racked up 20 wins with a .928 save percentage for AHL Grand Rapids this season, between stints in Detroit. This is expected to be Cossa’s last appearance at the AHL’s all-star game, as he projects as a full-time NHL’er next season.
Another AHL All-Star is Edmonton forward prospect Quinn Hutson, who recently signed a contract extension to remain with the Oilers through 2027-28. Hutson (signed as an undrafted free agent on April 14, 2025) leads all AHL rookies in scoring with 43 points (24G 19A), and is the rookie leader in goals by six tallies. Hutson has appeared in four games for the Oilers this season, registering one goal.