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ROCKET SPORTS MEDIA — With free agency frenzy gripping the hockey world, here is a list of AHL players who appear to be heading to free-agency status as of 12 pm ET on Wednesday.

Goaltenders

Let’s start in net, which is always a crucial position for NHL organizations to fill the number-three slot on the organziational depth chart. NHL organizations need a goaltender who can be an AHL number-one as well as a capable NHL recall.

Defensemen

Next comes the blue line, a position where depth is essential in the AHL. Even the best defensive corps can quickly be worn down by recalls and injuries.

Forwards

Last come the forwards. It is a stacked group. Back-to-back leading scorer Andrew Poturalski headlines the list, as does playoff MVP Josh Leivo. But there is plenty of first-line talent here.

I’ve added a few AHL veterans who spent this past season in Europe (including the KHL). We are in a bit of unprecedented territory with the KHL situation, so time will tell how everything shakes out with the player job market.

To be perfectly frank, the KHL situation is a major wildcard. For example, a former AHL MVP like Kenny Agostino played in the KHL last season and is now unsigned. How this all plays out is something that could be an unknown for NHL organizations trying to fill out a depth chart.

I used a cut-off of roughly 20 regular-season NHL/AHL games for players on this list. As it is, the list was a beast to tackle. Also, I should add that these do not include RFAs. The options with those players are obviously much more limited.

If you have any questions about a player, your team, etc as always please feel free to ask. I’ll do my best to track down an answer.

You can listen to Patrick discuss this topic in greater detail on this recent episode of The Press Zone podcast with hosts Amy Johnson and Rick Stephens!

By Patrick Williams, Special Contributor
The AHL Report
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