Barlow’s first full AHL season has been a modest introduction to the professional game – three goals and nine points in 48 games, which is about what you would expect from a player who was always more of a bottom-six projection than his first-round draft position suggested. The starring role he played in junior papered over some of the limitations that are more visible at the pro level, and Winnipeg appears unsurprised by his trajectory. The physical game and compete level remain his calling cards, and there is still time on his ELC to develop into a reliable fourth-line NHL forward. No fantasy value at this stage.

The 20-year-old Barlow has the makings of a scoring power forward at the NHL level, although not the best skater. He has the skill set and physical maturity to overcome that. Barlow will be eligible to play in the American Hockey League during the 2025-26 season and will have the opportunity to adapt to the professional game, potentially playing as a top-six forward and on the power play for the Manitoba Moose. The Moose did not fare well during the 2024-25 season and added some veterans to play alongside their young prospects, helping them develop and avoid getting stuck in a losing environment that would hinder their growth. Barlow is not expected to see NHL playing time during the 2025-26 season, which is alright. Follow his AHL season; when he gets the chance in the NHL, he can provide elite goal-scoring upside and should be rostered in all dynasty leagues.

After a lackluster 2024-25 regular season with the Oshawa Generals that saw Barlow record 61 points (32 goals and 29 assists) in 62 games, he has made up for it in a massive way during the 2025 post-season, producing 29 points (13 goals and 16 assists) in 16 games averaging 1.81 points per game, up from his regular season average of .98 points per game. Seven of the 13 post-season goals came on the power play, and three were game-winning tallies. He currently sits second in scoring behind teammate Luca Marelli and leads the OHL in SOG during the 2025 OHL Playoffs with 86. The Oshawa Generals will play the London Knights in the OHL Finals, matching Barlow up against the Winnipeg Jets’ 2023 fifth-round draft pick (146th overall), Jacob Julien, for a chance to represent the Ontario Hockey League in the 2025 Memorial Cup in Rimouski, Quebec, from May 22- June 1, 2025.

Barlow has eight points (five goals and three assists) in 16 games with the Oshawa Generals to start the 2024-25 season.

The Oshawa Generals acquired Barlow in a trade with Owen Sound Attack on October 3, 2024, for Tristan Delisle, David Bedkowski, and six draft picks.