AHL

The AHL, the American Hockey League, is the top development league in North American professional hockey, one level below the NHL. All 32 NHL clubs run an AHL affiliate, and players move up and down between the two through the season. The AHL plays for the Calder Cup, won in 2026 by the Toronto Marlies.

Founded	1936; current name from 1940
Teams	32 (25 US, 7 Canada)
Role	Development league; every NHL club has an affiliate
Trophy	Calder Cup
2026 champion	Toronto Marlies, 4-1 over Chicago Wolves
2026 playoff MVP	Artur Akhtyamov
Most titles	Hershey Bears, 13

Paul Bissonnette names the toughest guy he ever fought

He claims his opponent had a head like a bowling ball!

Alexandar Georgiev’s NHL career might be over

It's been a rough couple of years for him.

Ryan Reaves of the Toronto Maple Leafs/Toronto Marlies

Ryan Reaves uses creativity to break AHL rule in first game

What a legend he is!

AHL general manager trades his own son for future considerations

This one gotta sting!

Edmonton Oilers center rejects contract extension, retires at just 24: ”We wanted to re-sign him”

Shocking decision from prospect

NHL veteran does the funniest thing after fist bumping young Toronto fans, fans are absolutely loving it

Kyle Clifford played a lot of games with the LA Kings for several years, but since his move to the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2021, he’s been spending most of his time in the AHL. ...

Chris Chelios, former NHL player for the Detroit Red Wings

Chris Chelios’ awesome question to his GM after first AHL game

Chris Chelios was special. As a 47-year-old who had won the Stanley Cup three times and the Norris Trophy three times, most wouldn’t even consider continuing to play. Why would you even think about playing ...

Chris Chelios awesome words to former teammate in the AHL

Chris Chelios was a unique player, and we will probably never see someone have a career like him again. When he was 47, he’d won the Stanley Cup three times. He was also a three-time ...

AHL forward Brandon Gignac score goal of the year, with one of the craziest moves we’ve ever seen

We’ve seen some unique and remarkable goals in the NHL this year. Connor McDavid has produced several goals of the year candidates with his high speed, dekes, and superb finishing. Trevor Zegras has scored lacrosse ...

Mika Noronen’s hilarious and genius chirp at officials

Finnish goalkeeper Mika Noronen had a long career in the absolute top of elite hockey. Among teams in several other leagues, the Finn represented a handful of clubs in the NHL and KHL over the ...