Several American Hockey League teams have signed promising college players as the collegiate season wraps up and the pro playoffs approach. Standouts include recent contributors in key games and award winners making pro debuts. These moves aim to strengthen lineups for the Calder Cup chase.
Lehigh Valley Phantoms secured a vital 4-3 shootout victory over the Cleveland Monsters on Sunday, leaning on newcomers Noah Powell from Arizona State, who scored in the third period, and Cole Knuble from Notre Dame, who tallied in the shootout. The Phantoms, missing regulars, used the college talent to stay in the playoff hunt. Such signings have become common as AHL clubs tap NCAA experience for high-stakes games. Grand Rapids Griffins welcomed Michigan State's Trey Augustine, a second-round Detroit Red Wings pick in 2023, for his professional debut on Friday. Augustine earned the Mike Richter Award as college hockey's top goaltender, posting a 24-9-1 record, 2.11 goals-against average and .929 save percentage. The Red Wings also added University of North Dakota's Dylan James, their 2022 second-rounder with 32 points this season, on a tryout and two-year entry-level deal. Other notable additions include T.J. Hughes, Michigan's Hobey Baker finalist with 57 points, signing a free-agent deal with the Colorado Eagles and Avalanche for 2026-27. Kiernan Draper, son of Red Wings assistant GM Kris Draper, joined the Griffins on a two-year AHL pact after 18 points at Michigan. Cleveland Monsters signed Josh Eernisse from Michigan, Texas Stars added Wisconsin's Christian Fitzgerald with 31 points, and Milwaukee Admirals inked North Dakota's Ben Strinden, who had 35 points amid personal loss after his father's death in July 2025. These players bring Frozen Four pedigree and scoring prowess to playoff contenders.
