After a very different 2020-2021 NHL season, it looks like we are finally going to see a normal season of NHL hockey. The league is back to their regular divisions and conferences and a standard 82 game regular season. It is a challenge during regular times to predict which NHL prospects will be stepping up and becoming difference makers for your fantasy teams. However, given how some prospects barely played last season, this could be a special opportunity for fantasy owners to scoop up valued prospects that have flown under the radar.
In the following lists, I have ranked NHL affiliated prospects in order of how valuable I believe they will be for Fantasy Hockey managers. The prospects have to be signed or drafted by an NHL team, and have played no more than 45 NHL games. I tried my best to keep it simple, and focused on two main categories:
NHL Expectancy
Fantasy upside
“NHL Expectancy” – meaning how soon I believe the prospect could be playing full-time in the NHL.
Regarding most of the players, I was fairly optimistic. However, with the NHL salary cap staying flat over the next couple seasons, it is predicted that more teams will be plugging young players on entry-level contracts into their rosters, to assist in staying cap compliant.
I chose to rank them from 1-5 for NHL Expectancy:
Forwards NHL Expectancy:
5/5 Right Away
4.5/5 Sometime This Season
4/5 Next Season
3/5 2 seasons away
2/5 3 seasons away
1/5 4 seasons away
“Fantasy Upside” – meaning the total upside that a prospect can bring to fantasy owners in regards to their skill and environment.
There are varying opinions on the potential that each prospect brings, and it typically takes several years to truly understand what each prospect is going to bring at the NHL level. Another factor that I believe is important to consider for fantasy owners is what kind of environment will the prospect enter when he does get a shot on an NHL lineup.
Are the players drafted by playoff contending teams that have no reason to rush prospects into their lineup? Are they drafted by rebuilding teams that are eager to give opportunities to their top prospects? Where do the prospects rank on their organizations depth chart, not just now, but over the next few years?
These are the kinds of questions I asked myself when deciding how to rank players on this list. I chose to rank them out of 10 for Fantasy upside, rather than the 5 for NHL expectancy, because I believe the potential of a player is of much more value than the NHL readiness of a player, however, depending on the rules of your fantasy pools, others may value NHL readiness more heavily.
Let’s take a look at the top fantasy prospects!
1. Centre – Quinton Byfield – Los Angeles Kings
NHL Expectancy: 5/5
Fantasy Upside: 9.75/10
The 2nd overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft has all the makings to be a #1 Center in the NHL for a Kings team that is full of talented prospects. Registered 8 goals and 12 assists in his first 32 games of pro hockey for the Ontario Reign along with 1 assist in 6 NHL games for the LA Kings. He’s ready.
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2. Goalie – Spencer Knight – Florida Panthers
NHL Expectancy: 5/5
Fantasy Upside: 9.5/10
Knight had the opportunity to test his game at the NHL level last season and he was incredible. In 4 regular season games he went 4-0-0, with a 2.32 GAA and a .919 save percentage. He was then given a pair of playoff games where he went 1-1-0, with a 2.07 GAA and a .933 save percentage. Bobrovsky will return as the starter for the Panthers, but if Knight continues to impress in the crease, he may force his way into the starters role sooner than most anticipated. Regardless, the future is knight with this kid.
3. Right Wing – Cole Caufield – Montreal Canadiens
NHL Expectancy: 5/5
Fantasy Upside: 9.5/10
“Goal Caufield” is his nickname around Montreal, and the kid has earned it. After dominating the NCAA (30 goals and 22 assists in 31 games), he then put up 3 goals and 1 assist in 2 AHL games. He followed that up with a respectable 4 goals and 1 assist in his first stint in the NHL, not bad eh? He wasn’t finished, the 20 year old was clutch in the playoffs, registering 4 goals and 8 assists in 20 playoff games and was a big reason Montreal made it to the Stanley Cup Finals. Legitimate 50 goal upside once he hits his prime.
4. Centre – Trevor Zegras – Anaheim Ducks
NHL Expectancy: 5/5
Fantasy Upside: 9.5/10
The 9th overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft is the most creative passer of all the prospects on this list. After notching 10 goals and 11 assists in 17 AHL games, Zegras scored a solid 3 goals and 10 assists in his first 24 NHL games for Anaheim. Zegras should make the Ducks’ team out of training camp. This playmaking center is going to be all over the highlights for the next decade.
5. Defecse – Moritz Seider – Detroit Red Wings
NHL Expectancy: 5/5
Fantasy Upside: 9.5/10
The wait is over Detroit fans, it’s time for Seider to test his trade in the NHL. With 7 goals and 21 assists in 41 SHL games, and sporting a +14, it’s clear that he’s ready to defend against the best in the world. He has the potential to be a true #1 defenseman that can play in all situations for a Red Wings team that is on the rise.
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6. Right Wing – Lucas Raymond – Detroit Red Wings
NHL Expectancy: 4.5/5
Fantasy Upside: 9.5/10
As an 18/19 year old, Raymond scored 6 goals as 12 assists in 34 SHL games. He didn’t have a year that pops off the page but it is very impressive given his age and the level of competition. If you can buy low on the 2020 4th overall pick then this may be your last chance. He has the skill to be an elite player for the Red Wings that are loaded with talented prospects.
7. Centre – Marco Rossi – Minnesota Wild
NHL Expectancy: 4.5/5
Fantasy Upside: 9.5/10
A lot of people believed Rossi would enter the NHL last season, but things didn’t turn out for Rossi. He missed the entire season after contracting COVID-19 and had lingering effects for months after. If he is 100% healthy now, we could see a big year from the player that put up 120 points in 56 OHL games in the 2019-2020 season. If you can buy low on Rossi, I would take advantage.
8. Goalie – Jeremy Swayman – Boston Bruins
NHL Expectancy: 5/5
Fantasy Upside: 9/10
Swayman was another young goaltender that impressed in limited NHL games last season. In 10 games with the Boston Bruins, Swayman went 7-3-0, with a 1.5 GAA and a .945 save percentage. Linus Ullmark is expected to be the starter this year, but Swayman will take the reigns if he continues his stellar performance between the pipes.
9. Defence – Jamie Drysdale – Anaheim Ducks
NHL Expectancy: 5/5
Fantasy Upside: 9/10
The 6th overall pick in 2020 notched 4 goals and 6 assists in his first 14 games of pro hockey for the San Diego Gulls. In 24 games for the Aneheim Ducks, Drysdale put up 3 goals and 5 assists, not bad for a 19-year-old defenseman. He has the offensive skill to quarterback a powerplay and combines his skating and hockey intelligence to be reliable in his own end.
10. Defense – Evan Bouchard – Edmonton Oilers
NHL Expectancy: 5/5
Fantasy Upside: 9/10
After scoring 2 goals and adding 3 assists in 14 NHL games last season, Bouchard is likely to start the season with the Edmonton Oilers. The Oilers have re-signed Tyson Barrie to a 3 year deal, and he will likely be manning their first-unit powerplay for that time. However, Bouchard possesses a booming shot from the point and has the offensive instincts to quarterback a powerplay. If he continues to improve, Bouchard could earn the role on the Oilers first powerplay unit in a few years time.
11. Defence – Nils Lundkvist – New York Rangers
NHL Expectancy: 5/5
Fantasy Upside: 9/10
The wait is over. The player who broke the record in the SHL two seasons ago as the first under-20 defenseman to register 25 or more points in a single season is finally heading over to North America. He will likely earn an NHL roster spot out of training camp, and should see some powerplay time However, it’s safe to say that the Norris Trophy winner, Adam Fox, has secured the role on the first-unit powerplay. Lundkvist is a smart defenseman that isn’t afraid to join the rush. He is a dangerous playmaker in the offensive zone. I expect big things from Lundkvist as he continues to develop on a very young and promising Rangers team.
12. Right Wing – Alexander Holtz – New Jersey Devils
NHL Expectancy: 4.5/5
Fantasy Upside: 9.5/10
After scoring 7 goals and adding 11 assists in 40 SHL games, Holtz came across the pond and added 1 goal and 2 assists in his first 10 AHL games. You would like to see Holtz dominating in the AHL before making the jump to the NHL, and not all players are ready to make that jump as 19-year-old’s. This is fine. He will make that jump sooner than later, and once he does, he will have the chance to be the finisher alongside one of two former 1st overall picks in Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes. When you put elite scorers alongside elite playmakers, good things happen.
13. Centre – Anton Lundell – Florida Panthers
NHL Expectancy: 4.5/5
Fantasy Upside: 9.5/10
Some have questioned Lundell’s offensive upside. Perhaps it’s because he is just so good wherever he is on the ice that he doesn’t “stand out” as much offensively? I’m not really sure, because I’ve always been a big fan of Lundell’s offensive game.. and look at that, the 19-year-old center went nearly a point-per-game(16 goals, 9 assists, 25 points in 26 games played) in the LIIGA last season while rocking an “A” on his chest. Many compare him to some guy named “Sasha Barkov”, apparently he’s good at hockey.
14. Centre/Left Winger – Cole Perfetti – Winnipeg Jets
NHL Expectancy: 4.5/5
Fantasy Upside: 9.5/10
After Perfetti’s strong season with the Manitoba Moose, it will be tough for Winnipeg to keep him out of the NHL. Perfetti scored 9 goals, added 17 assists for a total of 26 points in 32 AHL games, and he did this as a 19-year-old. He possesses fantastic offensive instincts and already has an NHL ready shot.
15. Right Winger – Vasili Podkolzin – Vancouver Canucks
NHL Expectancy: 5/5
Fantasy Upside: 9/10
The 10th overall pick in 2019 has finally broke free from the SKA in the KHL. Over the last two seasons, Podkolzin was given little ice time in the KHL which limited his production to just 19 points in 65 KHL games, but don’t let those numbers fool you. Podkolzin is all but penciled into Vancouver’s top-9 and should get a few looks in the top-6 throughout the season. The 6’4 winger isn’t afraid to battle for the puck in the dirty areas and loves to drive the net. He can rip the puck and has solid playmaking ability. He’s one to watch for this year.
16. Centre/Left Wing – Alex Newhook – Colorado Avalanche
NHL Expectancy: 4.5/5
Fantasy Upside: 9.5/10
I believe Colorado got an absolute steal when they scooped up Newhook with the 16th pick in 2019. Since being drafted, the speedy center has registered 58 points in 46 NCAA games. After going over a point-per-game in the AHL ( 9 points in 8 games), Newhook put up 3 assists in his first 6 NHL games. His skating combined with his overall skill will make it very hard for Colorado to keep him out of the lineup to start the season. The only question is how much opportunity he will earn right away.
17. Goalie – Yaroslav Askarov – Nashville Predators
NHL Expectancy: 4/5
Fantasy Upside: 9.5/10
Askarov didn’t get to play much during this past season, but performed well in every game that he did play. Many scouts believe he is the best goaltending prospect in the last decade, and given Nashville’s need in net, he should sign with the NHL club once the 2021-2022 KHL season concludes. He will be worth the wait.
18. Defence – Bowen Byram – Colorado Avalanche
NHL Expectancy: 5/5
Fantasy Upside: 8.5/10
The biggest knock I have on Byram in regards to his fantasy value is pretty simple: He has Cale Makar ahead of him. Byram has all the tools to be a powerplay quarterback in the NHL one day, but with most teams using 4 forwards and 1 defenseman on their #1 powerplay unit, I don’t know if Byram will get much of a chance. He will still get his share of points on a powerhouse Avalanche team, and will surely get some time playing on the second unit powerplay.
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19. Centre – Alex Turcotte – Los Angeles Kings
NHL Expectancy: 4.5/5
Fantasy Upside: 9/10
Everyone is talking about Byfield when they bring up the LA Kings, but the 5th overall pick in 2019 shouldn’t be overlooked. Turcotte performed well in his first AHL season, notching 6 goals and 15 assists in 32 games. He should get at least a look in the NHL this year and his 200-foot game combined with strong playmaking ability may earn him a full time job with the big club.
20. Centre/Left Winger – Peyton Krebs – Vegas Golden Knights
NHL Expectancy: 4.5/5
Fantasy Upside: 9/10
Krebs has been absolutely dominant in the WHL over the past few years. Over the last 2 seasons he registered 103 points in 62 WHL games while playing on a very poor Winnipeg team. Krebs is a creative playmaker and has terrific skating that he can use to transition the puck up the ice on his own. He will be battling for a roster spot out of camp, and don’t be surprised if he wins one.
21. Left Winger – Arthur Kaliyev – Los Angeles Kings
NHL Expectancy: 4.5/5
Fantasy Upside: 9/10
After scoring 14 goals and adding 17 assists (31 points) in 40 AHL games as a 19-year-old, as well as nabbing a goal in the lone NHL game that he played for the Kings, I believe it’s time for Kaliyev to get a long look in the NHL. Kaliyev’s shot is hard, accurate, has a quick release, and he has a knack for getting to the right spot and always being ready to snipe. Even if he doesn’t secure a full-time NHL roster spot this season, Kaliyev is very likely to be the winger beside Byfield or Turcotte for years to come. Expect lots of goals from this kid.
22. Left Winger – Matthew Boldy – Minnesota Wild
NHL Expectancy: 4.5/5
Fantasy Upside: 9/10
Boldy had a terrific season last year. First, he recorded 31 points(11 goals and 20 assists) in 22 games for Boston College. Then, he continued his dominant production in the AHL with 18 points(6 goals 12 assists) in just 14 games. It looks like this 20 year old is ready for the a bigger challenge, but fellow Wild prospects Marco Rossi and Adam Beckman are also doing their best to earn spots on the NHL roster. Boldy is a deceptive winger that is good in all areas of his game. He can make dynamic passing plays or rip a shot over the goalies shoulder himself.
23. Defence – Calen Addison – Minnesota Wild
NHL Expectancy: 4.5/5
Fantasy Upside: 9/10
Addison is a player to keep an eye on as the season draws closer. There is a chance that the gifted offensive-defenseman earns himself a spot on the opening night roster. What is even more intriguing is that there is also a chance that Addison earns himself a spot manning the top powerplay unit. Addison has terrific edgework, impressive playmaking ability, has an accurate shot from the point, which are all things that make him a serious option as a powerplay quarterback for the Minnesota Wild.
24. Right Winger – Seth Jarvis – Carolina Hurricanes
NHL Expectancy: 4.5/5
Fantasy Upside: 9/10
Jarvis has always been a “boom or bust” type of player to me. He either makes it as a top-6 forward in the NHL, or he doesn’t quite cut it as an NHL player. He uses his deceptive skating and impressive edgework to consistently beat defenders. It was one thing when he danced around junior-level competition, but now he’s been doing it against AHL competition- as a 19 year old. In Jarvis’s first 9 games of professional hockey, he scored 7 goals and added 4 assists. I think Jarvis will get a full season in the AHL under his belt before getting much opportunity on a deep Carolina Hurricanes team, but if he continues this production he will be NHL bound soon.
25. Centre – Kent Johnson – Columbus Blue Jackets
NHL Expectancy: 4/5
Fantasy Upside: 9.5/10
Taken 5th overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2021 NHL Draft, Kent Johnson may have the most potential of any player drafted. His combination of creativity, slick hands, crafty edgework, and sneaky passes make him the kind of player that creates highlight-reel chances. In his first season in the NCAA, he scored 9 goals and added 18 assists(27 points) in 26 games. Standing 6’1 but only weighing 168lbs, Johnson will need to add some weight before going up against NHL quality competition. He will return to college and try to win the title with a dominant University of Michigan team this year. Don’t be surprised if Johnson becomes the best player drafted in the 2021 draft.
26. Centre – Shane Pinto – Ottawa Senators
NHL Expectancy: 5/5
Fantasy Upside: 8.5/10
Pinto caught the attention of many with his short stint with the Ottawa Senators last season. After netting 15 goals and 17 assists (32 points) in 28 games for the University of North Dakota, Pinto immediately was given a shot on the Senators top-6. He played very well on a line with Stuetzle and Brown, scoring 1 goal, adding 6 assists and posting a +6 in 12 NHL games. It is expected that Pinto will remain in Ottawa’s top-6 this season, and could be a valuable fantasy option if he continues his production from last year. He possesses a powerful shot, and is strong on his skates as he uses his body to protect the puck from opponents. Pinto is not an overly dynamic player, but has a very well-rounded game.
27. Right Wing – Vitali Kravtsov – New York Rangers
NHL Expectancy: 5/5
Fantasy Upside: 8.5/10
After scoring 16 goals and adding 8 assists (24 points) in 49 KHL games, Kravtsov received his first taste of NHL action and his production was underwhelming as he scored just 2 goals and 2 assists in 20 games. Despite the lack of production, the Rangers still see Kravtsov as an NHL player and it appears that he will be starting the season with the big club, playing on the third line with Chytil and Goodrow. My guess is that the Rangers want to further develop his 200-foot game before putting him in tougher matchups. Kravtsov still has all of the offensive tools to make him a top-6 forward down the road.
28. Defence – Jack Rathbone – Vancouver Canucks
NHL Expectancy: 5/5
Fantasy Upside: 8.5/10
Rathbone impressed in his first 8 NHL games, where he scored a goal and added 2 assists from the back-end. He is an offensive defenseman that loves to fake a shot and make a tape-to-tape pass to one of his teammates for a scoring chance. He isn’t afraid to rip a one-timer from the point, or use his good edgework to take the puck deeper into the offensive zone to allow a play to develop. He will likely make the Canucks roster out of training camp, but it’s safe to say that Quinn Hughes will quarterback the first-unit powerplay in Vancouver for the foreseeable future.
29. Left Winger – Alex Formenton – Ottawa Senators
NHL Expectancy: 5/5
Fantasy Upside: 8.5/10
Formenton played decent in his 20 game stint with the Ottawa Senators last season, where he scored 4 goals and added 2 assists. Formenton plays a fast-paced game, where he shows off his terrific speed and skating ability. He has the offensive tools to become a top-6 player in the NHL one day, but appears to be destined for a 3rd line role this season with the Ottawa Senators.
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30. Matthew Beniers – Seattle Kraken
NHL Expectancy: 4/5
Fantasy Upside: 9/10
Beniers was in the conversation to be the 1st overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, where we saw him fall to number two and become the first ever draft pick by the Seattle Kraken. Beniers is a hard working center that has few flaws in his game. He scored 10 goals and added 14 assists in his first 24 games of NCAA hockey and will return next season to the powerhouse team in Michigan.
31. Defence – Owen Power – Buffalo Sabres
NHL Expectancy: 4/5
Fantasy Upside: 9/10
Standing 6’5 and weighing 214lbs, Power already has an NHL frame. He has all the tools to be a future #1 defenseman that is able to play in all situations. With Rasmus Dahlin also in Buffalo, Power may not get a lot of first-unit powerplay time, but his hockey IQ, passing and skating ability will help him become a dominant player in the NHL. Power will spend another season with his dominant University of Michigan team, but should sign with Buffalo once the season concludes.
32. Centre/Winger – Mason McTavish – Anaheim Ducks
NHL Expectancy: 4/5
Fantasy Upside: 9/10
McTavish decided to leave North America during his draft year to play in the Swiss League because of the uncertainty around the OHL season due to COVID-19. McTavish scored 9 goals and added 2 assists(11 points) in 13 regular season games, followed by 2 goals and 5 assists in 4 playoff games for EHC Olten. McTavish is a hard working player on both ends of the ice. He is a solid playmaker, but takes advantage with his hard shot and deceptive release. Drafted 3rd overall by the Anaheim Ducks in 2021, McTavish will need some time to refine his game, but he has the potential to be a serious gamer for the Ducks very soon.
33. Defence – Luke Hughes – New Jersey Devils
NHL Expectancy: 4/5
Fantasy Upside: 9/10
Hughes was picked 4th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft by the New Jersey Devils, who also drafted his brother, Jack, 1st overall the year prior. Luke has good instincts with the puck and can execute accurate passes to create opportunities for his teammates. Like his brothers, Luke has impressive skating abilities, which helps him transition the puck up the ice quickly. Unlike his brothers, Luke is rocking a 6’2 frame, which he still needs to fill out and learn to use more to his advantage. Being one of the youngest players of his draft class, Luke will need some time to develop further before making the jump to the NHL, but he has all of the tools to be a special defenseman.
34. Defence – Jake Sanderson – Ottawa Senators
NHL Expectancy: 4/5
Fantasy Upside: 9/10
Sanderson is a defenseman that many scouts are extremely high on, and clearly the Ottawa Senators scouts felt the same as he was taken 5th overall in 2020. Sanderson is an impressive skater that excels in transitional play. He is able to identify the right opportunities to pinch in the offensive zone without getting caught out of position defensively. He is a complete player, but from a fantasy standpoint, I have some doubt. I just don’t see him being that true first-unit powerplay quarterback. I picture more of a Jaccob Slavin-type style of defenseman in Sanderson’s game.
35. Goalie – Justus Annunen – Colorado Avalanche
NHL Expectancy: 4/5
Fantasy Upside: 9/10
Annunen had a bit of a down year in 2020-2021. His team performed poorly and he wasn’t able to carry them to victory most nights. in 24 games Annunen went 7-9-7, with a 2.43 GAA and a .884 save percentage. This year he will try to rebound as he joins the Colorado Eagles in the American Hockey League. If he can regain the kind of performances that he gave in the 2019-2020 season then he may force his way onto the Avalanche next season after Kuemper’s contract expires.
36. Goalie – Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen – Buffalo Sabres
Luukonen received his first taste of NHL action last season. In the 4 games he played, he went 1-3-0, with a 3.88 GAA and a 9.06 save percentage. The numbers may not look great, but it’s not so bad when you consider how horrible the Sabres team in front of him was. With the Sabres going into the season with 32-year-old Aaron Dell, and 40-year-old Craig Anderson, it wont be long before Luukonen gets more opportunity. The path to being the starter is there for him, unfortunately, he may be the starter for the worst team in the NHL.
37. Centre – Connor McMichael – Washington Capitals
NHL Expectancy: 4.5/5
Fantasy Upside: 8.5/10
McMichael is clearly the best prospect for the Washington Capitals. Like other prospects on this list, he had an impressive first year of professional hockey where he put up 14 goals and 13 assists in 33 games for the Hershey Bears. If he doesn’t earn an NHL spot out of training camp, he should be on the short list of players to be called up when injuries occur.
38. Centre/Right Wing – Philip Tomasino – Nashville Predators
NHL Expectancy: 4.5/5
Fantasy Upside: 8.5/10
Tomasino is looking to be a steal as he was taken 24th overall in 2019 by Nashville. He followed his draft year up with 100 points in 62 OHL games. He then went on to record 13 goals and 19 assists (32 points) in 29 AHL games, as a 19-year-old. Tomasino combines strong skating, fantastic puck skills, and impressive compete to make him effective in all areas of the ice. He could be NHL ready, but Nashville may opt for him to marinate in the AHL for another season.
39. Centre – Joe Veleno – Detroit Red Wings
NHL Expectancy: 4.5/5
Fantasy Upside: 8.5/10
Veleno took his trade to the SHL last season and continued to develop his game. He scored a respectable 11 goals and added 9 assists (20 points) in 46 games. He also scored a goal in his 5 game stint for the Red Wings. Veleno will get an opportunity to earn his way onto the starting roster with the Red Wings, and appears to have worked hard over the summer make the most of that opportunity. Veleno is a reliable 200-foot player that makes smart plays in the offensive end.
40. Defence – Cam York – Philadelphia Flyers
NHL Expectancy: 4.5/5
Fantasy Upside: 8.5/10
York was given a small, 3 game taste of the NHL last season after he completed his second season of college hockey and signing with the Flyers. He scored 4 goals and 16 assists in 24 NCAA games, and followed that up with 2 goals and 3 assists in his first 8 AHL games. A defenseman going scoreless in his first 3 NHL games isn’t a concern, but the Flyers signing Keith Yandle makes it less likely that he will earn a full time spot on the Flyers this season. York is a well-rounded defenseman that is able to identify and execute smart plays consistently. He can run a powerplay but isn’t the most dynamic playmaker in the offensive zone.
41. Defence – Victor Soderstrom – Arizona Coyotes
NHL Expectancy: 4.5/5
Fantasy Upside: 8.5/10
Soderstrom had an okay season in the AHL last year, registering 2 goals and 8 assists (10 points) in his first 32 AHL games. He made the most of his 4 game NHL stint, scoring a goal and an assist for the big club. After the emergence of Chycrun last season, it seems highly unlikely that Soderstrom will get prime powerplay opportunity in Arizona anytime soon. That said, with Arizona trading their captain Oliver Ekman-Larsson, there is an opportunity for Soderstrom to earn an NHL roster spot out of camp. Soderstrom is a smooth-skating defenseman and does well to transition the puck out of the defensive zone.
42. Winger – Jack Quinn – Buffalo Sabres
NHL Expectancy: 4.5/5
Fantasy Upside: 8.5/10
Quinn performed well last season as a 19-year-old playing in the AHL. He registered 2 goals and 7 assists in the 15 AHL games he played. Picked 8th overall in 2020 by the Buffalo Sabres, Quinn possesses a hard, accurate shot with a deceptive release that makes him a lethal threat in the offensive zone. I think he will need to refine his overall game before taking the step to the NHL, but with how awful Buffalo is expected to be, he may get that chance sooner than later.
43. Left Wing/Centre – Adam Beckman – Minnesota Wild
NHL Expectancy: 4.5/5
Fantasy Upside: 8.5/10
Beckman received his first taste of pro hockey last season, scoring 3 goals and adding 2 assists in 9 AHL games. He is an effective player without being overly flashy. He works hard and competes every shift at both ends of the ice. Plays a simple game and makes very few mistakes with the puck. In the offensive zone, he utilizes his speed and quick shot to make him a dangerous threat. He will be battling for a spot on the Minnesota Wild’s main roster out of camp, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him earn one.
44. Defence – Scott Perunovich – St. Louis Blues
NHL Expectancy: 4.5/5
Fantasy Upside: 8.5/10
After missing the entire season last year after a shoulder surgery, some may forget that Perunovich won the Hobey Baker in 2020. Perunovich is a two-way defenseman that has the ability to control the pace of play with his patience with the puck. He is an excellent playmaker, rarely missing his teammates with crisp passes. The Blues may want to give Perunovich some time in the AHL to get back into the flow of things after missing so much time, but he looks to be the future of their back-end.
45. Defence – David Farrance – Nashville Predators
NHL Expectancy: 4.5/5
Fantasy Upside: 8.5/10
In his final season with Boston College, Farrance recorded 16 points (5 goals and 11 assists) in 11 games. He then went pointless in the 2 NHL games that he played. Farrance is a fast-paced player that is able to transition the puck up the ice well. He is an offensive defenseman that has great instincts when identifying plays that are developing and can make accurate passes to execute. He may need a bit of seasoning before making the jump to the NHL, but he should get some time with the Predators this season, and could be a core piece going forward.
46. Defence – Ville Heinola – Winnipeg Jets
NHL Expectancy: 4.5/5
Fantasy Upside: 8.5/10
Heinola took a step forward in his development last year. On loan in the LIIGA, he improved from his 7 points in 29 games the year prior, potting 14 points in 19 games this year. He then came over to North America and produced well with 11 points in 19 AHL games. He went pointless in his 5 NHL games, but the potential is clearly there. Heinola utilizes his smooth skating and excellent vision to be very productive on breakouts. May have the offensive instincts to run an NHL powerplay one day, but he isn’t an overly dynamic defenseman in the offensive zone.
47. Defence – Thomas Harley – Dallas Stars
NHL Expectancy: 4.5/5
Fantasy Upside: 8.5/10
Harley has a very well rounded game, impressive skating, and offensive instincts that can run a powerplay. He just recorded 25 points in his first 38 games for the Texas Stars. He is ready for the NHL, but I’m not sure the Stars are ready for him. They are deep on the back-end and they may opt to allow Harley to get prime playing time in the AHL rather than play on the 3rd pairing for the NHL club. When Harley does get the opportunity, it will be tough for him to get a whole lot of powerplay time with Heiskanen and Klingberg ahead of him.
48. Centre – Morgan Frost – Philadelphia Flyers
NHL Expectancy: 4.5/5
Fantasy Upside: 8.5/10
Unfortunately, just when it looked like Frost would get a chance to earn a spot on the Philadelphia Flyers roster, he missed almost all of the season with a shoulder injury. Fortunately, Frost is good to go this season and it appears that there are spots available on the Flyers roster for him to slide into. This could be the perfect opportunity to buy low on a player that has real top-6 potential.
49. Left Wing/Right Wing – Grigori Denisenko – Florida Panthers
NHL Expectancy: 4.5/5
Fantasy Upside: 8.5/10
For the limited amount of games that Denisenko played last year, he actually performed well in his first season in North America. He scored 5 goals and added 4 assists in 15 AHL games and added 4 assists in the 7 NHL games he played. But the 21-year-old, former 1st rounder is going to have a tough time earning a full-time spot out of camp. He plays a fast-paced game and uses his impressive speed and strong edgework to become a threat in the offensive end. Can thread the needle to set up his teammates for scoring opportunities, and possesses a quick release that he uses to beat goalies himself. Question marks remain on his play away from the puck.
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50. Defense – Kaiden Guhle – Montreal Canadiens
NHL Expectancy: 4/5
Fantasy Upside: 8.5/10
Guhle barely played any games last season with COVID-19 shutting down the WHL. Guhle plays like a pitbull in his own zone, prepared to maul anyone that enters his territory. He uses his excellent gap control and ability to throw his body around to make cleanly entering the zone impossible for opponents. He has a big shot from the point, and can make the smart pass offensively, but wont wow you with dynamic plays. With Weber injured, Guhle could fight his way onto the Canadiens line-up out of camp this year, but more likely needs one more year to develop. He will be a useful fantasy player, especially in leagues with deeper formats.
51. Left Wing – Rodion Amirov – Toronto Maple Leafs
NHL Expectancy: 4/5
Fantasy Upside: 8.5/10
Amirov had a good draft+1 season in the KHL where he registered 9 goals and 4 assists in 39 KHL games. The numbers may not scream “elite” but let’s not forget that we are talking about a 19 year old playing in the 2nd best league in the world. He is a high-volume shooter but has impressive hockey sense that he uses to read the play and execute a sneaky pass to an open teammate. Amirov will remain in the KHL for the 2021-2022 season but if he continues to improve, he may make his way to North America once the KHL season concludes.
52. Left Wing/Right Wing – Jonatan Berggren – Detroit Red Wings
NHL Expectancy: 4/5
Fantasy Upside: 8.5/10
Berggren had an impressive season in the SHL as a 20-year-old last year, where he put up 45 points in 49 games (12 goals 33 assists). He plays a high-energy game and uses his hands and speed to get around defenders. He has been able to be a force offensively against men in the SHL, but will likely need to round out his game in the AHL before getting a taste with the big club. Other prospects like Raymond and Veleno seem to have the edge on Berggren to make the Red Wings out of camp.
53. Centre – Dylan Holloway – Edmonton Oilers
NHL Expectancy: 4/5
Fantasy Upside: 8.5/10
After scoring 11 goals and adding 24 assists (35 points)in 23 NCAA games last season, Holloway signed his entry-level contract with Edmonton and looked to jump straight from college to the NHL. Holloway received wrist surgery last spring and unfortunately, he just received a second wrist surgery. He will miss at least 3 months and will need need some time to get his wrist back to 100%. He has NHL ready skating and can hold his own in the defensive end, and could be a useful contributor in the offensive end if he is given a shot in the Oilers top-6. Holloway may get a chance to debut as an Oiler later this season, but it’s more likely he spends the year healing and developing in the AHL.
54. Right Wing – Dawson Mercer – New Jersey Devils
NHL Expectancy: 4/5
Fantasy Upside: 8.5/10
Mercer made the most of the shortened QMJHL season last year. He scored 19 goals and added 17 assists (36 points) in just 23 regular season games. He kept that pace going in the playoffs where he scored 6 goals and 11 assists (17 points) in 9 playoff games. There is a chance that Mercer earns himself a spot as the third-line center for the New Jersey Devils this season, but it will take a good showing during the pre-season. Mercer uses his strong compete to give himself a good 200-foot game. However, he is no slouch in the offensive zone. He uses deception and sneaky passes to generate plays for his wingers, while also having an impressive release on his shot that needs to be respected by opposing defenders.
55. Defence – Philip Broberg – Edmonton Oilers
NHL Expectancy: 3/5
Fantasy Upside: 8/10
I kind of feel like I have to put Broberg on this list, because in deeper formats he may be worth a gamble. To me, Broberg was drafted for his impressive combination of size (6’3) and skating (fast), but he doesn’t have the hockey IQ (Junior-B level) to bring it all together as an NHL player. Jokes aside, he put up 3 goals and 10 assists in 44 SHL games last year as a 19-year-old. If he can limit his turnovers and poor decision making, he has the tools to be an impressive defenseman in the NHL, particularly if he can use his incredible acceleration to be a breakout machine.
Honorable Mentions: F Dylan Guenther, F Brandt Clarke, G Jesper Wallstedt, D Simon Edvinsson, F William Eklund, G Sebastian Cossa, F Nick Robertson, F Tyson Foerster, F Connor Zary, F Jakob Pelletier, F Mavrik Bourque, D Yegor Zamula, D Topi Niemela, F Jacob Perrault, F Yegor Chinakhov, D Braden Schneider.
