Blues Prospect Report Brings Standout Goaltending and Heavy Minutes (Jan 12-18, 2026)

Some weeks are loud. Some weeks are steady. This one was a little of both with a mix of breakout performances, stabilizing stretches, and a few quietly important developmental steps across the system. From heavy‑minute OHL defenders to a pair of sharp goaltending outings and an AHL forward finding his footing again, the organization saw meaningful progress at every level. Below is the full league‑by‑league rundown, complete with this week’s standout prospect.

PROSPECT OF THE WEEK: Love Härenstam (G, HockeyAllsvenskan)

Härenstam put together one of his strongest weeks of the season, capped off with a 15‑save shutout against Oskarshamn. His tracking and rebound control were excellent, and he followed it with a composed 20‑save win over Östersund. Efficient, poised, and technically clean, this was a week that reinforced his upward trajectory.

AHL

Juraj Pekarčík — LW (AHL) Week: 0 G, 2 A, 3 SOG, 14:34 ATOI, 49% puck‑battle win rate

Pekarčík had a quietly encouraging three‑game week, picking up two assists and showing flashes of the playmaking touch that defines his game. His minutes were sheltered, but he made good use of them, connecting on a primary assist, adding another secondary, and finding soft spots to make small plays under pressure. His puck‑touch volume was modest, but he still created a couple of slot looks and handled his shifts with pace and responsibility. A steady, low‑event stretch that shows growing comfort with AHL pace and physicality.

Zach Dean — C (AHL) Week: 1 G, 0 A, 3 SOG, 14:04 ATOI, 49% faceoff win rate

Dean’s week was a mixed one, but there were still encouraging signs as he continues to work his way back into rhythm. He scored his first goal of the AHL season bringing a needed confidence touch and held his own in the faceoff circle at 49%. 

His usage stayed modest, and his shifts were mostly low‑event, but he competed, finished checks, and kept his game simple. The details are still coming back, yet the pace and engagement are improving, and this was another small step toward the more assertive, two‑way version of Dean we’ve seen in the past.

Theo Lindstein — D (AHL) Week: 0 G, 0 A, 3 SOG, 17:33 ATOI, 

It was another quiet week for Lindstein, who continues to work through a difficult first stretch in the AHL. He defended with structure and avoided major mistakes in these three games, but the broader picture matters as he now sits at –23 on the season. 

There is a period of grace that should be extended as this is a clear sign of how challenging the transition has been for both him and a struggling Springfield blue line. However, for the experienced defender, this has been an underwhelming season. 

His puck‑moving poise and reads remain clear strengths, yet his impact hasn’t translated consistently at AHL pace, and he’s still adjusting to the physicality and pressure of the league. This week didn’t add new concerns, but it reinforced the reality that this is a long‑term development year rather than an immediate breakout.

ECHL

Will Cranley — G (ECHL) Week: 20 SV on 21 SA (.952 SV%), 60:00 TOI, 1 GA

Cranley delivered another composed, technically sharp outing, turning aside 20 of 21 shots in a 5–1 win over Jacksonville. The Everblades goalie allowed just 1.22 expected goals, and he handled the low‑event workload with poise with clean rebounds, efficient puck‑handling, and no unnecessary movement. It was a calm, professional performance that continues to stabilize the Florida crease.

KHL

Arseni Koromyslov — D (KHL) Week: 2 GP, 0 PTS, 4 SOG, 20:12 ATOI, 63% puck‑battle win rate

Koromyslov logged heavy minutes in both games and delivered a steady, defense‑first week. His puck‑battle results were strong, especially in the defensive zone, and he moved pucks efficiently with an 88% passing accuracy. Even under sustained pressure from two very structured opponents, he kept his game predictable and composed. The blueliner played a classic low‑event, reliable stretch and Koromyslov continues to shine and play well in a second-pair role in the KHL.

VHL

Ivan Vorobyov — F (VHL) Week: 1 G, 2 A, 7 SOG, 16:15 ATOI, 67% puck‑battle win rate

Vorobyov delivered one of his most assertive performances of the season, finishing with three points in a 5–3 win over Zvezda Moskva. He generated seven shots on goal, five scoring chances, and completed passes at a 92% clip while attacking the interior with purpose. His high puck‑touch volume and strong battle results made this a complete, play‑driving effort. The only concern is his inability to crack the KHL at the late stages of his ‘prospect’ status. 

OHL

Lukas Fischer — D (OHL) Week: 0 G, 2 A, 4 SOG, 25:04 ATOI, 66% puck‑battle win rate

Fischer had another strong, steady week in a top‑pair role, picking up two assists while playing more than 25 minutes a night. He moved the puck extremely well completing over 90% of his passes and handled a big workload without mistakes. His battle results were excellent, especially in the defensive zone, and he consistently helped the Soo get out of trouble with clean exits. It wasn’t a flashy week, but it was exactly what you want from him: heavy minutes, smart decisions, and reliable, pro‑style defending.

Adam Jiříček — D (OHL) Week: 0 G, 1 A, 3 SOG, 22:58 ATOI, 45% puck‑battle win rate

Jiříček logged heavy minutes again this week, averaging nearly 23 minutes per game and taking on top‑pair matchups in both outings. He added an assist and continued to drive play through volume with over 100 puck touches per game and strong passing efficiency around 88–89%. 

His defensive game was mixed: he broke up plays, blocked shots, and handled a big penalty‑kill load, but his puck‑battle results dipped and he finished the week at ‑3. Even so, his workload, poise with the puck, and ability to manage pressure remain clear strengths. A demanding week, but one that still showed his value as a high‑usage, all‑situations defender.

QMJHL

Justin Carbonneau — RW (QMJHL) Week: 2 G, 0 A, 9 SOG, 17:49 ATOI

Carbonneau put together a strong two‑game stretch, with by a two‑goal performance against Cape Breton and another assertive outing versus Saint John. 

His shot volume remained high with nine shots on goal, and he generated three scoring chances while consistently attacking inside space. His puck‑movement efficiency was excellent, completing passes at an 84–92% clip, and he handled his defensive workload with maturity. A confident, pace‑driven week that reflects his upward momentum.

NCAA

Colin Ralph — D (NCAA) Week: 0 G, 2 A, 4 SOG, 17:52 ATOI 

Ralph put together a solid, workmanlike weekend against Wisconsin, picking up an assist in each game and showing the calm, steady presence that’s become his calling card. He moved pucks efficiently, completing over 70% of his passes under pressure and handled his defensive workload with structure, winning 60% of his puck battles and staying clean in front of his own net. His retrievals were composed, his exits were reliable, and he limited mistakes despite facing a heavy forecheck. A mature, stabilizing week.

For continued prospect updates, visit Blue Notes Rising on Substack

Statistics gathered by InStat Hockey