The Bakersfield Condors are quietly building something intriguing in the AHL’s Pacific Division, and a big part of that success has been the emergence of several young players who are not only producing but pushing for bigger opportunities. From a German center making waves in his first North American season to a goaltending prospect who’s turning heads with video game-like numbers, the Condors’ roster is loaded with storylines worth watching.
The German Center Making His Mark
Signed in April 2025, the German center-who will also suit up for his country in the upcoming Olympics-has quickly become a key cog in Bakersfield’s lineup. Through 39 games, he’s tallied seven goals and 28 points, but the numbers only tell part of the story. His two-way play has added stability down the middle, giving the Condors a reliable presence in both zones.
That kind of well-rounded game has helped propel Bakersfield to third in the Pacific Division. Their 139 goals rank second in the entire 32-team AHL-only the Belleville Senators have more, and they’ve done it in four more games. Simply put, this Condors team can score, and their young core is leading the charge.
Ike Howard, Quinn Hutson, and Connor Clattenburg: Depth with Upside
When Ike Howard is in the lineup, he’s been a difference-maker. With 10 goals and 23 points in just 16 games, he’s been a top-six staple when available.
Then there’s Quinn Hutson, who’s already had a brief look with the Edmonton Oilers, scoring once in four NHL games. Back in the AHL, he’s been a force-24 goals and 39 points in 35 games.
That’s elite-level production at this level.
Connor Clattenburg also got a taste of NHL action, but he’s currently sidelined with a long-term hand injury. Still, his presence earlier in the season added to the Condors’ depth and versatility up front.
Viljami Marjala: A Finnish Forward Finding His Groove
Viljami Marjala is one of several young European imports brought in by Stan Bowman, and his journey has been anything but linear. Drafted in the fifth round back in 2021 by Buffalo, Marjala spent two seasons in the QMJHL before returning to Finland. There, he posted solid numbers-including a 40-point campaign in 2023-24-but saw a dip the following year despite a strong assist total.
Now back in North America, Marjala is rediscovering his scoring touch. With 10 goals and 36 points in 40 games, he’s showing he can be a productive AHL forward.
Interestingly, he’s been playing center this season, despite being listed as a winger. That added flexibility could make him an intriguing call-up option if the Oilers face injuries down the stretch.
Roby Järventie: A Comeback Story in the Making
Another Finnish forward, Roby Järventie’s path to Edmonton has been filled with twists. Originally drafted by Ottawa in the second round of the 2020 draft, he flashed promise early in the AHL and even got a short stint in the NHL with the Senators. But injuries derailed his progress, and after being acquired by Edmonton in a trade that also netted the pick used to draft David Lewandowski, it looked like his North American career might be over.
Instead, the Oilers re-signed him, and it’s paying off. The 23-year-old has 12 goals and 24 points in 34 games this season, mostly playing on the Condors’ third line. He may not be a top-line scorer, but his ability to contribute from the bottom six could make him a valuable depth option for the Oilers if they need reinforcements.
Atro Leppänen: The Puck-Moving Defenseman on the Radar
Atro Leppänen made some noise during the Oilers’ preseason, especially in the NextGen games, where his poise and puck-moving ability stood out. At 27, he’s older than most prospects, but his track record in Finland is impressive-he led the SM-Liiga with 63 points in 60 games last season, including 21 goals. Yes, as a defenseman.
With the Condors, he’s continued to contribute offensively, putting up three goals and 20 points in 28 games-tops among Bakersfield blueliners. While he’s still behind Riley Stillman on the call-up list due to Stillman’s NHL experience, Leppänen’s skillset as a mobile, offensive-minded defenseman keeps him in the conversation. It would take a few dominoes to fall, but don’t rule out a look at some point this season.
Connor Ungar: A Goaltending Prospect Worth Watching
It’s been a while since the Oilers had a goaltending prospect generating this kind of buzz. Connor Ungar, an undrafted netminder who played Canadian university hockey at Brock University as recently as 2023-24, is putting together a season that demands attention.
After signing with Edmonton in March 2024, Ungar had a modest first pro campaign. But this year, he’s been on another level.
Across 11 ECHL games for three different teams, he posted a .944 save percentage. That’s impressive enough-but he’s somehow been even better in Bakersfield, with a .946 save percentage in seven games.
Those are elite numbers at any level, and while it’s still early, he’s making a strong case to be considered for an NHL debut if the Oilers have the flexibility late in the season. It’s not unheard of-fellow Calgarian Logan Thompson followed a similar path from Brock to the pros and is now an Olympian.
Ungar’s journey may be unconventional, but the potential is real. Next season will be a big test to see if this is lightning in a bottle or the beginning of something special.
Bottom Line: The Condors are more than just a farm team-they’re a proving ground for a wave of talent that’s knocking on the NHL’s door. Whether it’s a poised Finnish winger, a breakout blueliner, or a goalie rewriting expectations, Bakersfield is giving the Oilers options-and that’s exactly what you want from your AHL affiliate.