Seattle Kraken forward Carson Rehkopf is gearing up for his first season of professional hockey in the AHL with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, and the 20-year-old could follow a similar path to a fellow Kraken prospect.
Jani Nyman made the jump from professional hockey in Finland to North America, dominating and achieving several milestones, which included a call-up and an extended stint in the NHL. With the Firebirds, the 21-year-old scored 28 goals and 44 points in 58 games, leading the team in goals and ranking second in points. He earned a nod to the All-Star game and was among the best rookies in the AHL.
In his stint in the NHL, Nyman notched three goals and six points in 12 games, proving he was more than ready to play in the NHL.
Part of Nyman's success was attributed to his size and NHL-ready frame. Listed at 6-foot-4, 220 pounds, Nyman was never pushed around or looked out of place, something Rehkopf could do this year.
Rehkopf has torn the OHL apart in the last two seasons, scoring 42 goals and 86 points in 57 games this past season. The year prior, Rehkopf recorded 52 goals and 95 points in 60 games. The Barrie, Ont. native is ready for his next challenge, and it'll come by way of the AHL.
If Rehkopf hopes to follow in the footsteps of Nyman, it'll start with a strong training camp and pre-season. Nyman was one of the standout performers in the pre-season last year and carried the momentum into the OHL season.
The 6-foot-2, 201-pound left-handed forward also has an NHL-ready frame and play style. Rehkopf uses his speed to force defenders onto their heels in transition. The threat of his shot creates play-making opportunities, and his passing abilities open up space for him to showcase his shot. He also possesses tremendous offensive instincts, which help him find open areas near the front of the net.
The Firebirds enter the 2025-26 season with one of the youngest forward groups in the AHL. Due to the youth of the roster, Rehkopf will have plenty of opportunities to take on a larger role and possibly earn a call-up to the NHL following the trade deadline, like Nyman did.
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