Rising talent poised to make the jump to the NHL

With training camp quickly approaching, there are a number of young NHL hopefuls ready to battle it out for a spot on a big-league roster. This group of players may not be shoo-ins to be in the lineup opening night like first-round draft picks Matthew Schaefer or Michael Misa, but with a strong preseason performance, there's a good chance they could wind up contending for a roster spot.

Arseni Gritsyuk, New Jersey Devils

After six long years, Arseni Gritsyuk has finally arrived in the United States. The 24-year-old was drafted 129th overall back in 2019, but opted to remain in Russia so he could develop in the KHL. Since then, he has proven to be one of the league's top forwards for his reliable play in all situations as well as a breakout offensive performance in 2024-25. With SKA St. Petersburg, Gritsyuk potted 17 goals and 44 points in 47 games played, his best single-season output to date.

Gritsyuk may need to have a stint with the Utica Devils in order to grow accustomed to playing on North American ice, which is typically smaller than the European rinks he is used to. But if he displays a quick enough adjustment during the preseason, his NHL debut could come as soon as opening night on Oct. 9.

David Jiricek, Minnesota Wild

Jiricek has had an up-and-down career so far in North America. After being traded to the Wild from the Columbus Blue Jackets, he has yet to find his footing as a full-time NHLer. That was made worse by an untimely injury that hampered his development this past season -- his fourth straight campaign bobbing between the NHL and AHL.

All that being said, Jiricek is a talented defenseman who has been touted for his skating ability, his efficiency in winning puck battles and then clearing the defensive zone, and his massive one-timer. As a two-way defender, Jiricek has an opportunity to prove himself as NHL-ready at the Wild's training camp.

Axel Sandin-Pellikka, Detroit Red Wings

The Red Wings are in need of more bodies on the blueline, leaving the door open for promotions from within the organization, and Axel Sandin-Pellikka is an incredibly viable option to battle for an NHL position. The 20-year-old defeseman performed well for the SHL's Skellefteå AIK this past season with 29 points in 46 games played, followed by eight points in 11 playoff matchups.

Even more impressive was his international performance in 2024-25. As the captain of Sweden's U20 team, he tallied four goals and 10 points in seven games during the World Junior Championships. A truly offensive defenseman, Sandin-Pellikka is a very capable skater who can handily quarterback a power play unit with success. But his transition game and ability to find breakouts is just as fine-tuned, and he can hold his own in the defensive zone.

Sandin-Pellikka is expected to begin the season Red Wings AHL squad in Grand Rapids, but the needle could be tipped in favor of the NHL depending on how training camp goes.

Gabe Perreault, New York Rangers

Gabe Perreault has already made his NHL debut with mixed results. After finishing the season at Boston College, the 20-year-old appeared in three games with the Rangers before being a healthy scratch. He would crack the lineup once more, skating in five total games and recording 10 shot attempts averaging around 15 minutes TOI per game.

Despite the rocky performance early in his NHL career, Perreault's play at the NCAA level has been convincingly solid. His freshman year, he posted 60 points in 36 games, and he followed that up with 48 points in 37 games for his sophomore campaign. Perreault also helped Team USA win back-to-back World Junior Championship golds, tallying three goals and 10 points in seven games during the 2025 tournament.

Perreault is a deceptive playmaker who seems to make the smart play over the flashy one, though he's capable of cracking a highlight reel when he's at his best. Especially with the offensive core thinning out somewhat, there is certainly a place for Perreault in the Rangers lineup if he can earn it.