After an injury-riddled start to his draft+1 season, PIT forward prospect Bill Zonnon (2025 1st round, 22nd overall) finally is back on track, totaling 23 points (7G 16A) in 17 games for Blainville-Boisbriand in the QMJHL. He looks to land a spot in the AHL next season, now reserved for one 19-year-old CHL player per team, per the NHL’s CBA with the NHLPA.
Renowned for his big frame and mobility, CBJ d-man prospect Jackson Smith has shown a tremendous offensive upside this season as well. Smith (2025 1st round, 14th overall) has totaled 17 points (8G 9A) in 24 games for Penn State University, including a tally in this past Saturday’s outdoor game versus 2nd-ranked Michigan State University. After being one of the final cuts from Team Canada’s 2026 world junior roster as an 18-year-old, he is fully expected to be added to the team next season.
The combination of BUF forward prospect Isak Rosen & d-man prospect Zak Jones continues to tear up the AHL. Rosen (2021 1st round, 14th overall) has 32 points (20G 12A) for Rochester, while Jones (NYR 2019, 3rd round, 68th overall) has managed 37 points (6G 31A) from the back end. Both players were named to the AHL’s All-Star Team.
NYI d-man prospect Jesse Pulkkinen (2024 2nd round, 54th overall) continues his adjustment to hockey in North America. He struggled initially with AHL Bridgeport and recorded just two assists in 17 games, but his time in ECHL Worcester has yielded 11 points (5G 6A) in 16 games. His huge frame (6’6″ 220 lbs.) and dynamic skill set bode well for Isles’ fans as the raw prospect continues his development.
UTA goalie prospect Michael Hrabal (2023 2nd round, 38th overall) is quickly becoming a top NHL prospect. The mammoth (no pun intended) goaltender (6’7″ 216 lbs.) boasts a .925 save percentage and a 13-6-0 record for the University of Massachusetts so far this season, including a 191-minute shutout streak in January. He is a candidate for both the Hobey Baker Award (best college hockey player) and the Mike Richter Award (top college hockey goaltender).
CGY forward prospect Cullen Potter (2025 1st round, 32nd overall) underwent successful shoulder surgery upon sustaining a season-ending injury against the University of Miami (OH) on January 10. The rehabilitation period for the Arizona State forward is three to four months, and a full recovery is expected. Prior to the injury, Potter had amassed 26 points (12G 14A) in 24 games for the Sun Devils. The elite-skating forward was set to join the Flames’ organization at the conclusion of this year’s college season, although those plans now are on hold.
CHI forward prospect Jack Pridham (2024 3rd round, 92nd overall) has been named the OHL Player of the Month for January, when he recorded 20 points (8G 12A) in 11 games for Kitchener. On the season, Pridham has amassed 62 points (31G 31A) through 46 games. The right-winger will attend Boston University this fall.