By AJ Scholz, RotoWire
Special to Yahoo Sports

Before diving into the following list of players who could make an impact this season, it’s important to note a few factors. What follows only considers guys who have played in the AHL, ruling out Vancouver’s Elias Pettersson — despite the fact he’s a near-lock for the Canucks’ 23-man roster. Additionally, the list includes a games-played cap (set at 20), which means Pittsburgh’s Daniel Sprong (26) and Buffalo’s Linus Ullmark (26) were left off. Finally, in order to include all positions, there may be a talented forward left off here or there in order to highlight other positions.

Andy Welinski (D) – Anaheim Ducks

San Diego Gulls – 10 Goals, 24 Assists (51 Games)

Selected in the third round of the 2011 NHL Draft, Welinski has been in the pipeline for the Ducks for quite some time — the bulk of which was during his four-year collegiate career at the University of Minnesota – Duluth. In order to secure a spot in the 23-man roster on opening night, which certainly isn’t out of the question, the 2017-18 AHL All-star will need to hold off challengers like Marcus Pettersson and veterans Luke Schenn and Andrej Sustr.

Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson (C) – Boston Bruins

Providence Bruins – 15 Goals, 17 Assists (58 Games)

The question for Forsbacka-Karlsson is not whether he will appear in any NHL games this season (he made his debut in 2016-17) but how many, as he figures to compete with Joakim Nordstrom for a spot in the lineup. The Swede is entering the final year of his entry-level contract and will be looking to make an impact.

[Yahoo Fantasy Hockey leagues are open: Sign up now for free]

Anthony Greco (RW) – Florida Panthers

Springfield Thunderbirds – 29 Goals, 19 Assists (75 Games)

Greco came just four goals shy of the AHL scoring title but failed to earn a call-up to Sunrise at any point during the season. The Panthers don’t seem to be looking for additional youth options, as they added Troy Brouwer on a one-year deal and invited Mark Letestu to camp. However, if the organization is looking for in-house options, the winger could provide a scoring boost once he’s able to get his feet wet in the NHL.

Jordan Binnington (G) – St. Louis Blues

Providence Bruins – 17-9-1 Record, 2.05 GAA, .926 SAV% (28 Games)

Binnington finished second in the AHL last season in GAA and fourth in save percentage, which earned him a one-year, two-way contract from the Blues. While the club also added veteran Chad Johnson, the two netminders could find themselves battling for the backup job during training camp. No matter who is the No. 2, Jake Allen will be the starter in St. Louis, which means the 25-year-old Binnington is auditioning for a spot elsewhere next year as he tries to break into the NHL.

Andreas Johnsson (LW) – Toronto Maple Leafs

Toronto Marlies – 26 Goals, 28 Assists (54 Games)

A spot in the opening night lineup is Johnsson’s to lose at this point, as he figures to slot onto the fourth line. An impressive point-per-game campaign with the Marlies last season certainly won’t hurt his chances of locking up his spot on the depth chart. Veterans Josh Leivo and Josh Jooris figure to challenge for more ice time throughout the year, but the 23-year-old Swede should see the bulk of the minutes.

Sami Niku (D) – Winnipeg Jets

Manitoba Moose – 16 Goals, 38 Assists (76 Games)

Toby Enstrom’s departure for Europe means the offensively-minded Niku may find himself on NHL ice come October. The 21-year-old Finn finished second in points (54) for the Moose in his rookie season last year, earning him AHL All-Rookie Team, AHL First All-Star Team and AHL Best Defenseman honors. Given his impressive resume and skill set, it’s hard to imagine Niku won’t spend significantly more time in the NHL than back with AHL Manitoba.