We’re only two weeks into the season, but help is already on the way for some AHL teams who need it.

Dylan Garand just wanted his chance. Now it’s here.

“Prove us wrong.” NHL teams often give their young players that message near the end of training camp, when it’s time to get those prospects further AHL experience. Three Coachella Valley Firebirds prospects put those words into action as the AHL opened up its 91st season this past weekend.

The Toronto Marlies got one more chance to look backward before they move forward. And there was plenty to savor as their 2026 Calder Cup championship banner went to the rafters.

The AHL’s 91st season starts tonight with an eight-game schedule and plenty of change.

As the NHL starts its 2026-27 season, a heavy AHL influence once again dominates all 32 rosters.

Sometimes opportunity comes from where you don’t expect it.

Three short months ago, the Carolina Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup while the Chicago Wolves reached the Calder Cup Finals. And some of the main figures on last year’s Wolves squad have been using training camp to push for NHL work.

Start circling dates. Camps are open, and the AHL’s regular season gets underway October 2 — the earliest start date since 2009. Among the highlights on the 1,152-game slate are a new (old) city, a banner raising, long-standing rivalries and some new inter-conference clashes.

An offseason of changes will soon be put to the test for both the New York Rangers and the Hartford Wolf Pack.