Looking at the fantasy prospects of Anthony Duclair, Mikhail Grigorenko, Sven Bärtschi, William Karlsson and Kasperi Kapanen …

In this edition of The Journey, we will look at five fantasy prospects who have changed organizations for the 2015-16 season.

Anthony Duclair

DobberHockey 215 Ranking: 15

Traded to Arizona Coyotes in package for D Keith Yandle

Duclair was one of the biggest surprises of the early 2014-15 season, making the New York Rangers team as a 19 year old out of camp and compiling seven points in 18 games for the Blue Shirts. In December, the Laval, QC native was loaned to Team Canada and was an integral member of the gold medal winning 2015 World Junior Championship team.

Following the WJC, Duclair returned to the Quebec Remparts where he spent 48 games, compiling 60 points between the regular season and playoffs. Duclair was the key piece of the trade-deadline deal that sent defenseman Keith Yandle from the Arizona Coyotes to the Rangers. In his new home in the desert, the exciting winger will team with fellow prospects Max Domi and Dylan Strome to usher in a new era of hockey in Arizona.

Fantasy Outlook: A-

Pros: Speed, Stickhandling, Energy

Cons: Size

Anticipated NHL Arrival:  After his successful cup of tea with the Rangers in ‘14-15, Duclair has a chance to crack the opening night lineup with the Coyotes in ‘15-16. He was traded from a depth chart with road blocks, to one where he can more easily make the roster and in turn, make an impact. 

Mikhail Grigorenko

DobberHockey 215 Ranking: 27

Traded to Colorado Avalanche in package for F Ryan O’Reilly

There was much fanfare for Grigorenko in Buffalo when he was drafted with the 12th overall pick in the 2012 NHL draft. However, there may not be another top-rated prospect in recent memory with as flawed of a developmental path as the Russian forward.

After being shoehorned into the lineup for the first 25 games of the 2012-13 season, Grigorenko was returned to the Quebec Remparts, where he shined with 68 points in 44 regular season and playoff games. In 2013-14, the Sabres again (unsuccessfully) tried to give Grigorenko a shot at becoming an NHL regular, but he was returned to Quebec after 18 games.  Last season, Grigorenko spent the majority of the year with the AHL’s Rochester Americans, where he produced a very respectable 37 points in 43 games.  His 25 games in the NHL were again underwhelming, with only six points.

In the offseason, Grigorenko was moved in a package for center Ryan O’Reilly whom the Sabres viewed as a good complement to newly drafted prospect Jack Eichel.  With Colorado, Grigorenko will be surrounded by more offensive talent then he ever was with the Sabres and will be given the opportunity to crack the top-six with forwards Matt Duchene, Nathan MacKinnon, and Gabriel Landeskog.

He will also reunite with his former bench boss Patrick Roy from his Rampart days.

Fantasy Outlook: A-

Pros: Offensively Talented, Vision

Cons: Consistency, Energy

Anticipated NHL Arrival:  Grigorenko will likely be given every opportunity to make the Avalanche roster in 2015-16. 

Sven Bärtschi

DobberHockey 215 Ranking: 49

Traded to Vancouver Canucks for 2^nd Round Pick in 2015 draft

When he was selected 13th overall by the Calgary Flames in the 2011 draft, the Swiss-born Bärtschi was expected to become a key piece of the core that would propel the Flames back to the NHL’s postseason.  Unfortunately, his tumultuous time in the  Calgary system included only 28 points in 66 games over the span of four NHL seasons. 

At this years trade deadline, the Flames decided to cut bait with Bärtschi, shipping him off to the Vancouver Canucks for a 2nd round pick in the 2015 draft.  Bärtschi found success with his new organization towards the end of last season, compiling 15 points in 15 games for the AHL’s Utica Comets, and two goals in three games for the Canucks.

Fantasy Outlook: B+

Pros: Playmaking Ability, Skating, Work Ethic

Cons: Size

Anticipated NHL Arrival:  After having trouble becoming an NHL regular with Calgary it will important for Bärtschi to make an impact with his new team quickly.  Vancouver does not have a stable group of top-nine forwards, so Bärtschi will have the opportunity to seize a role with the Canucks early in the season.

William Karlsson

DobberHockey 215 Ranking: 51

Traded to Columbus Blue Jackets in package for D James Wisniewski

The Swedish-born Karlsson turned some heads in Anaheim, making the team out of camp as the 3rd line center in 2014-15.  His spot was eventually taken over by fellow prospect Rickard Rakell, though, and Karlsson was sent down to Norfolk of the AHL to refine his skills. With the Admirals, Karlsson compiled 24 points in 37 games, playing big minutes in all situations.

At the trade deadline, Anaheim made a move to bolster their defense acquiring defenseman James Wisniewski from the Columbus Blue Jackets.  The main piece coming back to Columbus was the young center who will likely fill a second- or third-line role in the future. 

Unfortunately, Karlsson struggled mightily after the trade, recording zero points and a minus-11 rating through 15 games with the Blue Jackets AHL affiliate in Springfield. Conversely, the two-way center did have a short, yet successful three-game trial in Columbus where he posted two points and a plus-2 rating.

Fantasy Outlook: B

Pros: Two-Way Play, Speed, Hands, Playmaking

Cons: Strength, Physicality

Anticipated NHL Arrival:  Karlsson moved from one crowded depth chart to another in the trade from Anaheim to Columbus.  If he does start the season in Cleveland with the Blue Jackets new AHL affiliate, don’t be surprised if he is one of the first prospects called up due to injury.

Kasperi Kapanen

DobberHockey 215 Ranking: 56

Traded to Toronto Maple Leafs in package for F Phil Kessel

Kasperi Kapanen, son of former NHL forward Sami Kapanen, slid down the draft board to the 22nd spot in 2014 where he was selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins. After playing in the top Finnish league, Liiga, over the last 3 seasons, Kapanen made the journey across the pond to join Penguins affiliate in Wilkes-Barre Scranton for a handful of regular season games and the duration of the playoffs. In 11 games at the AHL level, Kapanen recorded seven points, including five through his last seven games. 

This summer, Kapanen was included as a vital piece of the trade that sent Phil Kessel from Toronto to Pittsburgh. Although he would have likely been a very good complementary piece for the Pens moving forward, Kapanen will be given the opportunity to grow with a very young team and take on more of a starring role in the future with Toronto.

Fantasy Outlook: A-

Pros: Creativity, Hands, Instincts

Cons: Strength, Defensive Awareness

Anticipated NHL Arrival:  Kapenen will likely spend the 2015-16 season playing his first full campaign in North America with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies.  The Maple Leafs are stockpiling some impressive prospects with an eye on the future so they would be smart to let their youngsters develop before introducing them at the NHL level.

Give Kevin a follow @kleblanchockey for NHL prospect talk and happenings.