The Bakersfield Condors are headed to the playoffs, which might not seem that impressive when considering they are in sixth place in a division where seven teams qualify. However, what is impressive, is that they are one of only two teams from the division to make the playoffs in each of the past five seasons.
Regardless, what can't be argued, is that Seth Griffith has played a major role in helping the Condors qualify and have a chance at their first Calder Cup in franchise history. To highlight his importance, consider that he leads the team with 47 assists and 62 total points in 65 games.
On a league-wide basis, the 31-year-old is sixth overall in the AHL in points, while his 47 assists are tied for third-best. He's been on a particular tear since the start of 2024, leading all AHL players with 45 points in 43 games.
Award winning production
Given Griffith's increased level of production since the beginning of the year, it should come as no surprise he was recently named Howies Hockey Tape/AHL Player of the Week. As per theahl.com, he was named player of the week for the period ending Apr. 7, after scoring seven points -- comprising of two goals and five assists -- in three games.
The week in question, was highlighted by a standout performance versus the Calgary Wranglers. The Wallaceburg, Ontario native tied a season high, as he totalled four points in a 5-2 win.
That Griffith is performing so well for the Condors is impressive, but is not actually that surprising given his history in the AHL. Consider that just two seasons ago he lead the team with career highs of 30 goals and 80 overall points in 64 games, good enough to finish fourth-best in the AHL.
In general, the 2012 fifth round NHL draft pick has always been productive in the AHL. Now in his 11th season of AHL action, at the time of posting he has 571 total points in 616 games, which includes playing for the Providence Bruins, Toronto Marlies, Rochester Americans, Manitoba Moose and of course the Condors.
While having never been able to establish himself at the NHL level, Griffith has still managed to make 80 career appearances, scoring 19 points -- eight goals and 11 assists -- in the process. He has played for the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers and Buffalo Sabres, while also making one appearance for the Edmonton Oilers during the 2021-22 campaign.
What will be key for Griffith, is if he can reproduce his regular season success to a similar level for the Condors once the playoffs begin. In 47 career AHL playoff games he was managed 41 total points, including nine in 13 appearances over the past three seasons for the Condors.