Gulls' Tim Washe Named 2026 AHL All-Star After Hot Rookie Start

Tim Washe's breakout rookie surge earned him a selection to the 2026 AHL All-Star Classic presented by BMO, an honor that underscores his rapid ascent in the Anaheim Ducks pipeline and gives fans a clear reason to track the San Diego Gulls' forward. The 24-year-old led the Gulls in goals with 13 and co-led in points with 25 through 30 AHL games when the league announced the nod on January 15.

Washe's AHL ledger reads 13 goals and 12 assists for 25 points, a scoring pace that included two three-point nights and multiple game-winning goals that have flipped close contests in San Diego’s favor. The club release highlighted his faceoff prowess and late-game finishing, traits that have translated from his decorated collegiate career into pro production. Washe was recalled by the Anaheim Ducks on January 7, reflecting NHL interest in his two-way skill set and consistency on the dot.

Washe’s pedigree traces to Western Michigan, where he posted 16 goals and 22 assists for 38 points in 2024-25 and captured NCHC Defensive Forward of the Year while leading the NCAA in faceoff win percentage. That combination of offensive upside and defensive responsibility explains why he has become a prototype for modern bottom-six and middle-six forward roles - a player who can win possession, kill penalties, and contribute scoring in transition.

Beyond the box score, Washe’s All-Star selection matters for several reasons. For the Ducks organization, the nod functions as a marketable milestone for prospect development, enhancing Washe’s visibility ahead of potential further NHL looks and making him a feature for promotional storytelling around the franchise’s depth. For the AHL and its All-Star product, Washe’s presence reinforces the league’s role as a showcase for players who combine analytics-friendly metrics, such as faceoff percentage, with traditional scoring outputs.

Culturally, Washe’s trajectory from NCHC standout to AHL All-Star resonates with fans in San Diego and Western Michigan, bridging college hockey pathways with professional opportunity. The selection also supports the AHL’s narrative of skill diversity, where faceoff specialists and defensively responsible forwards command attention alongside pure scorers.

Washe will have the All-Star Classic in Rockford, Ill. on February 10-11 as a national stage to bolster his résumé. For Gulls supporters and Ducks evaluators, the event offers a snapshot of how a 24-year-old rookie’s blend of scoring and defensive craft could affect roster decisions and the broader talent pipeline heading into spring roster moves.