By Toby Rice
At just over one quarter of the season played, let's look in on the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League. Florida's AHL affiliate is packed with young players, and a few that are proving themselves for a roster spot in 2027. Several players are hoping to make the jump at the beginning of the season, or even for this year's playoff push.
The Rochester Americans are 9-9-4, good for 22 points in the standings. This puts them in 8th place in the Eastern Conference. Leading the way is Andrei Svechnikov, playing in his sophomore season. Andrei has 13 goals and 12 assists, on pace for 93 points this year. Jesse Ylonen, Yegor Korshkov, and Connor McMichael all follow Svechnikov in the stats department with 23 points each.
"It's promising to see all of these young guys producing." said the Panthers' GM. "We've set ourselves up to have a young, strong development team down in Rochester."
Michael McLeod and Pavel Buchnevich are two names fans are keeping a close eye on. Both players signed RFA offer sheets this offseason, which were matched by the Panthers. Both McLeod and Buchnevich are vying for pro spots next year. Each have 18 points this season, but are not on pace to beat last year's production.
"Those are the guys you want to see at the top of the leader board. Not only for our farm team's standings-wise, but we're counting on them to show us they're ready for the next level."
Buchnevich's name has been rumored to be in trade talks recently. It is said that the Panthers may be willing to trade him in a deal to solidify their defense with a younger star player. Don't be surprised if his name isn't on the chopping block at the trade deadline.
11/20/2020 - 291 words
