
The highly anticipated 2025 AHL All-Star Classic is just around the corner. As this premier midseason event approaches, FloHockey is meticulously analyzing the rosters for each division, showcasing the talent that will participate in the AHL All-Star Skills Competition on February 2nd and the AHL All-Star Challenge on February 3rd. This year’s event promises to be exceptional, highlighting the skills of the league’s top players.
FloHockey’s Chris Peters has already provided insights into the Pacific Division and the Central Division. Notably, the Pacific Division, which includes the hosting Coachella Valley Firebirds, has dominated the last two AHL All-Star Challenges. Now, it’s time to turn our focus to the Eastern Conference, which comprises the North Division and the Atlantic Division.
The North Division roster is packed with scoring talent, an undeniable advantage in the fast-paced, high-scoring format of 3-on-3 hockey. This style of play emphasizes speed and skill over structured defensive strategies. Highlighting this offensive capability, the Cleveland Monsters will contribute three players, including AHL leading scorer Luca Del Bel Belluz (with an impressive 17 goals and 20 assists for a total of 37 points) and top-scoring rookie defenseman Denton Mateychuk (who has tallied 9 goals and 16 assists for 25 points).
Let’s delve deeper into the strengths of the North Division.
Dynamic Forwards of the North Division
Luca Del Bel Belluz, Cleveland Monsters (CBJ)
Last season, the talented Columbus Blue Jackets second-round pick adjusted to the professional game, embracing the responsibilities that come with being an effective two-way player. After a significant offseason roster overhaul for the Monsters, he has seized a more prominent role in the offense and has delivered outstanding results. Del Bel Belluz might be one of those rare players who demonstrates greater offensive prowess at the professional level compared to his time in the Canadian Hockey League (CHL).
Trey Fix-Wolansky, Cleveland Monsters (CBJ)
Players like Trey Fix-Wolansky are perfectly suited for an exciting event like the AHL All-Star Classic. Known for his offensive-first mindset, he consistently looks for opportunities to shoot while also showcasing his ability to creatively distribute the puck to teammates. With his current trajectory, Fix-Wolansky is well on his way to achieving a remarkable 30-goal season, adding significant firepower to the Monsters’ lineup.
Isak Rosén, Rochester Americans (BUF)
Drafted in the first round by the Buffalo Sabres in 2021, Isak Rosén is primed to make a significant impact during his time in California for the All-Star festivities. The pressure on top draft picks is immense, particularly for a franchise like Buffalo that relies on young talent to transition into impactful NHL contributors. With impressive statistics of 14 goals and 14 assists for a total of 28 points in just 32 games for the Amerks, Rosén is excited to showcase his skills in Palm Desert.
Joshua Roy, Laval Rocket (MTL)
Being a prospect for the Montreal Canadiens while playing in Laval is an experience laden with expectations and intense scrutiny, given the proximity of Place Bell to downtown Montreal and the ever-curious hockey media. After making his debut with the Canadiens late last season, Joshua Roy found himself back in the AHL following training camp. Like many young forwards, his mission in the AHL is to develop a robust two-way game that meets NHL standards. This trip to Palm Desert presents a golden opportunity for Roy to indulge his offensive instincts for a brief period.
Logan Shaw, Toronto Marlies (TOR)
Every successful AHL team requires a player like Logan Shaw, who can seamlessly integrate the constantly shifting pieces of an AHL roster while also making significant contributions on the ice. A consummate professional, Shaw embodies the qualities that the Toronto Marlies rely on, not to mention his unique ability to secure a three-year AHL contract earlier in his career. Although his current numbers (4 goals and 14 assists for 18 points) have dipped since his impressive 30-goal season, Shaw remains an essential component of a Marlies team that possesses the potential to make waves in the playoffs.
Alex Steeves, Toronto Marlies (TOR)
Consider Alex Steeves as a younger counterpart to Shaw. He is dependable and embodies the type of versatile player that coaches love to have in their lineup. Steeves has always had a knack for finding the back of the net, and his offensive game continues to improve. Scoring 19 goals in just 26 games amidst the tight-checking challenges of the AHL is an impressive feat that reflects his growing prowess as a goal-scorer.
Strong Defensive Lineup of the North Division
Seamus Casey, Utica Comets (NJD) — selected but unable to participate
This season has been a challenging one for the Utica Comets, yet Seamus Casey has emerged as a shining beacon of hope. Arriving in Utica early in the season, Casey is well-known for his offensive capabilities, but his time in the AHL is focused on refining his defensive skills. After two years at the University of Michigan, this stint in Utica is crucial for his growth. Despite the team’s struggles, he has managed to contribute solid numbers (2 goals and 12 assists for 14 points). Casey’s selection might be a one-time accolade, but he is undoubtedly on the path to a fruitful NHL career.
Jeremy Davies, Belleville Senators (OTT)
Jeremy Davies is one of those players who entered the professional ranks, learned the game effectively within the well-established Milwaukee Admirals system, and has since added a more offensive aspect to his game. In just 32 games, he is only 12 points shy of the career marks he set last season with the Rochester Americans, showcasing his continual development and adaptation to the pro level.
Logan Mailloux, Laval Rocket (MTL)
Similar to Roy, Logan Mailloux is navigating the intense scrutiny that comes with being a Canadiens prospect. A member of last year’s AHL All-Rookie Team, he is expected to shoulder a heavy workload on the Laval blue line. The Canadiens have made the strategic choice to allow Mailloux to develop his skills in Laval rather than rushing him into the NHL, a decision that is likely to pay dividends in his long-term development.
Denton Mateychuk, Cleveland Monsters (CBJ)
Everything about Denton Mateychuk signals that he could be a cornerstone of the future for the Columbus Blue Jackets and possibly a future team captain. At just 20 years old, he exhibits the poise and maturity of a seasoned veteran. Early in the season, it looked like the first-round draft pick from Columbus might collect a plethora of accolades in Cleveland. The only factor that has slowed his remarkable pace has been a recent recall to Columbus that has now extended for nearly a month.
Simon Nemec, Utica Comets (NJD)
Last season, it appeared that Simon Nemec, the second overall selection in the 2022 NHL Draft, had made his mark as a full-time NHL defenseman. However, this season has seen him return to the AHL, given the depth of the Devils’ blue line. In Utica, Nemec is beginning to reveal that he not only can compete at the AHL level but can also dominate on certain nights, showcasing the skills that led to his high draft selection.
Key Goaltenders in the North Division
Brandon Halverson, Syracuse Crunch (TBL)
It’s challenging to find a more inspiring story than that of Brandon Halverson, whose career has been revitalized at the age of 28. Once a second-round draft pick for the New York Rangers, his career faced numerous setbacks due to injuries, including missing the entire 2021-22 season and spending last year in DEL2. Nevertheless, Halverson’s resilience has paid off, and he is now making a significant impact in the AHL.
Devon Levi, Rochester Americans (BUF)
Similar to Rosén’s situation, the Buffalo Sabres are counting on Devon Levi to be a long-term solution in goal. In November, the decision was made to send him back to Rochester to gain valuable playing time and experience. This strategic move quickly bore fruit as the Amerks surged in the North Division standings. Last season, Levi was instrumental in carrying the Amerks through the second half, and this year, he is making them a formidable opponent.
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