Now that the AHL regular season is officially over and the Pacific Division playoffs are quickly progressing, awards and accolades will start pouring out for its players. Today, the league announced the 2020-21 All-Rookie Team, which is voted on by coaches, players, and media. Though not a guarantee of future NHL success, the AHL rookie team has a long history of star players including captains, Stanley Cup champions, and future Hall of Fame members.
The 2020-21 selections:
G Logan Thompson, Henderson Silver Knights (Vegas Golden Knights)
D Calen Addison, Iowa Wild (Minnesota Wild)
D Max Gildon, Bakersfield Condors (Florida Panthers)
F Riley Damiani, Texas Stars (Dallas Stars)
F Connor McMichael, Hershey Bears (Washington Capitals)
F Phil Tomasino, Chicago Wolves (Nashville Predators)
Perhaps the most impressive selection of the bunch is Tomasino, who in a normal year would not even have been eligible to play in the AHL. The 19-year-old forward would have been forced back to the OHL had the junior league been operational, but instead scored 32 points in 29 professional games with the Wolves. Tomasino will turn 20 later this summer and can return to the AHL for the 2021-22 campaign but may be ticketed for the Nashville roster instead.
Among the others are three who also made their NHL debuts this season, including Addison who made it into a playoff game last night for Minnesota. The 21-year-old defenseman logged just over 13 minutes and registered his first postseason point, assisting on Jordan Greenway’s game-winning goal to keep the Wild alive.
McMichael also wouldn’t have been eligible to play in the AHL in a normal season. He led the AHL with 8 game-winning goals. That’s pretty impressive
Good to see Tomasino on that list. Look forward to seeing him with the Preds next season!