2023–24 Time On Ice Stats
Ice Time
Power Play
Short-Handed
Past Fantasy Outlooks
Ahnelov spent last season in the Swedish Elite League, tallying 11 points and 16 PIMs through 54 games. He previously spent three years with the Rampage of the AHL, though his 2011-12 numbers overseas far best his career totals since being drafted in the third round by the Coyotes in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.
Ahnelov has spent the past three summers playing for the Coyotes' AHL affiliate. In 2010-11, he saw time in 42 games, tallying two goals, two assists, and 10 PIMs while skating to a minus-4 rating. He'll likely only see NHL action in the event that a severe injury bug decimates the Phoenix blue line.
Since Ahnelov debuted in North America with San Antonio, injuries have plagued him. In 2009-10, he only appeared in 11 games because of them. He plays a very physical brand of hockey that has been compared to Mattias Norstrom in size and strength. For 2010-11, he has to make the team to show his potential, but to do that he has to stay healthy and improve his skating ability. He over-commits and tries to do too much. Phoenix does have roster spots and depth issues to fill at the defensive position, but Ahnelov will more than likely see time in the AHL.
Ahnelov is Phoenix's first round pick from 2006 and could be the surprise of camp for the Coyotes. He logged his first season in North America last year, playing in 43 games with San Antonio of the AHL. Ahnelov is not going be a huge offensive threat but he could be the answer that the Coyotes are looking for in their quest to bring size, strength and defensive ability to the blue line. He's physical and nasty at times, and does have speed and playmaking ability, he just hasn't put up the offensive numbers yet. Another year of seasoning in the minors seems likely for Ahnelov, but he could very well make the roster with the big club with an impressive camp.
