The American Hockey League season is young, but many players here will do anything to get a call from their affiliated team in the top hockey league in the world.

Here are five examples…

1. Alex Barré-Boulet – Syracuse Crunch

The diminutive Quebec forward had his chances with the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Seattle Kraken before, but his stint in the National Hockey League (NHL) was somewhat unsuccessful. However, he seems to have worked hard during the summer season, he leading the league with 21 points in 14 games, including four goals, ahead of Friday’s games.

2. Anthony Richard – Laval rocket

The Montreal Canadiens have such contingency in attack that it was unimaginable that the Quebec winger would start the season in the NHL. Impressing with his eagerness and speed while still in training camp, he continued on his way with the Rocket. Despite the Rockets’ rocky start to the season, he is the league’s top scorer with 11 goals in 16 games.

3. Zachary Fucale – Hershey Bears

The road to the NHL for this former CH second-round pick has been a winding one. After playing for nine professional teams in the AHL and ECHL, he finally made his Washington Capitals debut last season. He impressed in his early NHL games but is back on the Hershey farm this season. His .919 save percentage and the Caps’ poor start to the season suggest he may have his chance by the end of the season.

4. Samuel Bolduc – Islander from Bridgeport

The Laval defender had a difficult second pro season in 2021-2022, during which he finished with seven points in 57 games and a -10 difference. It’s a different story this season: He’s had 12 points in as many games, including seven on the power play. In the event of an injury on the Isles’ side, the 21-year-old goalman, former second-round pick, could have his chance in the NHL.

5. Benoit-Olivier Groulx – San Diego Gulls

The son of Crunch head coach Benoit Groulx made 18 NHL appearances last season, but his debut may have been rushed. Despite playing with the fourth-worst team in the AHL, the 22-year-old forward has four goals and 12 points in 14 games. The Ducks, the last to die in the NHL, could get rid of several veterans by the close of trade to ensure they end up in the basement of the racetrack. If he continues this momentum, Groulx could take advantage of this situation.