The 2025 AHL All-Star Classic has become one of the better ways to see a player just before they hit the big time. Many top NHL prospects over the years have participated in the event on their road to NHL stardom. Now we have the next batch of budding talents that will be showcased at the league’s midseason classic.

The list is long and it’s particularly impressive in terms of the number of players expected to be able to make an NHL impact in the near future. There are high picks, late bloomers and some promising undrafted free agents in the mix.

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Here’s a quick list of the young players you can watch throughout the events at the NHL All-Star Classic in Palm Desert, Calif.

Top NHL Draft Picks Playing In the 2025 AHL All-Star Classic

Statistics current as of Feb. 2

Simon Nemec, D, Utica Comets (NJD)

2nd overall, 2022

Nemec wasn’t happy about being sent back down after 60 games with the Devils last year and nine more at the start of this season, but he’s been making a case to get back to New Jersey sooner than later. He has 22 points in 32 games, has been reading plays at a high level and executing consistently. He’s on pace to surpass his previous career high in the AHL.

Kevin Korchinski, D, Rockford IceHogs (CHI)

7th overall, 2022

Similarly to Nemec, Korchinski was sent to the AHL for a bit of a re-set. After playing all of last season in the NHL, Korchinski accepted the opportunity to go to Rockford and is finding more ways to contribute. He was an exceptional producer at the junior level and the points are starting to come more in the AHL. He may not be lighting up the scoresheet yet, but flashes like the one below show his immense promise.

Kevin SCORE-chinski is out there showing that he can do it all 😱

(also, how about a Drew Commesso goalie assist?! 🎉) #AHL pic.twitter.com/dH72sR5qQo

— FloHockey (@FloHockey) October 13, 2024

Matthew Savoie, C/W, Bakersfield Condors (EDM)

9th overall, 2022

Savoie is really hitting his stride in Bakersfield, showing that he can still get his name all over the score sheet. He has 31 points in 40 games and has been pretty hot since December. The rookie has 12 goals so far and is on pace to surpass 20 this season in the AHL, which would be a huge accomplishment for a player of his age even with the incredible scoring pedigree.

Dalibor Dvorsky, C, Springfield Thunderbirds (STL)

10th overall, 2023

The No. 10 overall pick in 2023, Dvorsky has shown great promise in his first pro season in North America. Dvorsky has 29 points in 38 games with the T-Birds this season. At 6-foot-1 and over 200 pounds, he has been very tough to push around and is finding the net with more regularity. He still has a bit of a ways to go before you can proclaim NHL ready, but he’s taking the necessary steps in a tough league this year.

Yaroslav Askarov, G, San Jose Barracuda (SJS)

11th overall, 2020

Askarov has now played almost as many NHL games this season as he did in the AHL, but before the Sharks called him up, he was playing some of the best hockey of his professional career. His .938 save percentage is still tops in the league and it sure seems as though his second AHL All-Star appearance will be his last as he has looked exactly like the guy the Sharks traded for him to be – their goalie of the future. He was sent back down and is expected in Palm Desert this weekend.

YAROSLAV ASKAROV

that's it. no other words.#AHL #BarracudaHockey #TheFutureIsTeal #IAvsSJ pic.twitter.com/WjsPrC6nBV

— FloHockey (@FloHockey) October 20, 2024

Isak Rosén, RW, Rochester Americans (BUF)

14th overall, 2021

It has been a step-by-step process for Rosén who went 14th overall in 2021. Now in his third season with Rochester, things seem to be clicking at an especially prodigious level compared to past seasons, especially of late. Rosén has a team-best 39 points and is second in the AHL with 23 goals. He was drafted as a scorer and he’s been scoring in bunches this season.

Sebastian Cossa, G, Grand Rapids Griffins (DET)

15th overall, 2021

The road has been gradual, but it has also been fruitful as Sebastian Cossa has been getting better each and every year. He started in the ECHL with the Toledo Walleye two years ago, then got 40 games with Grand Rapids last year. This year, he’s already up to 25 appearances and has a .920 save percentage, the best mark of his pro career to date. He made his NHL debut this year and looks poised to take the next step soon.

Joakim Kemell, RW, Milwaukee Admirals (NSH)

17th overall, 2022

Kemell had such a splashy entry into the AHL with 13 points in his first 14 games in the league, played at the end of the 2022-23 season. He has remained a productive player, but hasn’t necessarily taken as big of a step. That said, he’s on pace for his second straight season of 40 or more points and can find the net.

Owen Pickering, D, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (PIT)

21st overall, 2022

A late add to the All-Star Classic, Pickering has 16 AHL games under his belt so far this season. He spent 25 with Pittsburgh and handled himself quite well in his first NHL stint. Pickering is still finding the offensive game that made him a top two-way defenseman at the junior level, but he’s a colorful character who should thrive in the All-Star environment.

Owen Pickering scored his first professional goal for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, but the celly was heard 'round the world 🗣️@TheAHL | #AHL
@WBSPenguins | #LGP #BleedGold@penguins | #LetsGoPens pic.twitter.com/l60SWHXVcd

— FloHockey (@FloHockey) November 14, 2024

Logan Mailloux, D, Laval Rocket (MTL)

31st overall, 2021

A second-year invitee, Mailloux has been among the most productive young defensemen in the AHL since he arrived. He had 47 points last season and is up to 22 points during this campaign. He also saw five games with Montreal earlier this year and managed to score the first goal of his NHL career. The 2021 first-round pick already has nine goals this season, showcasing higher-end scoring touch from the back end.

Other Notable Prospects Participating In The AHL All-Star Classic

• Devon Levi, G, Rochester Americans (BUF)
• Scott Morrow, D, Chicago Wolves (CAR)
• Sam Colangelo, RW, San Diego Gulls (ANA)
• Elias Salomonsson, D, Manitoba Moose (WPG)
• Dylan Garand, G, Hartford Wolf Pack (NYR)
• Owen Beck, RW, Laval Rocket (MTL)
• Justin Hryckowian, C/W, Texas Stars (DAL)
• Rory Kerins, RW, Calgary Wranglers (CGY)