The AHL unveiled its All-Star rosters today, and Springfield Thunderbirds forward Matt Luff is heading to Rockford next month to represent his club at the 2026 AHL All-Star Classic. It’s a well-earned nod for the 28-year-old, who’s been a consistent force for the Thunderbirds all season long.
Luff has been Springfield’s go-to guy offensively, leading the team with 12 goals and 30 points through 29 games. That kind of production speaks for itself, especially when you consider the next closest scorer on the roster-veteran forward Matthew Peca-sits six points back despite playing in more games. Whether it’s finishing plays or setting them up, Luff has been at the center of just about everything the Thunderbirds have done in the offensive zone.
His strong AHL showing didn’t go unnoticed by the St. Louis Blues.
When injuries piled up in December, Luff got the call back to the NHL and suited up for five games in a fourth-line role. He averaged just over nine minutes of ice time per night and managed to chip in a goal during that stretch-nothing flashy, but a solid contribution given his role and limited usage.
The All-Star selection is a recognition not only of Luff’s production but also his resilience. After starting the season with the Blues, he was reassigned to the AHL following training camp. Instead of sulking, he got to work-and now he’s being rewarded with a trip to one of the league’s marquee events.
The 2026 AHL All-Star Classic is set for February 10-11 in Rockford, Illinois. Each of the league’s 32 teams will be represented, with 12 players selected for each of the four divisional squads. Rosters were chosen by committees of AHL coaches, ensuring a mix of top-tier talent and team-by-team representation.
Luff will suit up for the Atlantic Division alongside a mix of rising prospects and established AHL contributors, including Denver Barkey, Tobias Bjornfot, Patrick Brown, Tristan Broz, Frederic Brunet, Jack Devine, Michael DiPietro, Cole McWard, Sergei Murashov, Gabe Perreault, and Ilya Protas.
For Luff, it’s a deserved spotlight in a season where he’s proven himself at both the AHL and NHL levels. And for the Thunderbirds, it’s a reminder that they’ve got a leader and a difference-maker anchoring their lineup.