The Journey examines Dobber’s top forward prospect list and assesses the fast risers in the June rankings. Next week we will take a closer look at the fastest rising defensemen in the June rankings.

Colin White – Ottawa Senators – Up to 19th from 49th Overall

Ottawa’s 2015 first round pick (21st overall) put together an impressive freshman season for the Boston College Eagles. The forward posted 43 points in 37 games, which was good for fourth among rookies in the NCAA and second on his team. He was an integral part of Team USA’s bronze medal finish at the 2016 World Junior Championships recording seven points in seven games. White falling to the early 20s on draft day is looking to be a big win for the Sens, as he has all the makings of a productive two-way forward at the NHL level. Although he is returning to BC for his sophomore season, he is not far off from being considered for an NHL roster spot.

Nick Paul – Ottawa Senators – Up to 30th Overall from 50th Overall

Watching Paul this season, the first thing you notice is how well he moves at his size (close to 6’5” and 230 pounds). Although his first professional season wasn’t overwhelmingly successful from a points perspective, he proved he could perform physically in both the AHL and the NHL. Paul has never been an overwhelmingly offensive player, rather providing value in multiple categories to fantasy owners. He is a player who will return secondary scoring while also adding hits and penalty minutes. It is yet to be proven whether or not Paul will be given a shot on the Ottawa power-play, but if he is, he could have an uptick in scoring as a net-front presence. 

Jayce Hawryluk – Florida Panthers – Up to 50th Overall from 94th Overall

The Brandon Wheat Kings forward broke out in a big way in 2015-16. The Florida Panthers second-round pick posted 106 points in 58 regular season games, and led his team in scoring in the WHL playoffs with 30 points in 21 games.  Although when he was drafted he was widely thought of as a middle-six forward, his offensive output this season has proved that Hawryluk may have another gear when it comes to point production. Florida has a deep system, and has the luxury of allowing their young forward group to develop in the AHL before calling them up to the NHL level.

Hudson Fasching – Buffalo Sabres – Up to 49^th Overall from 84^th Overall

After spending three years at the University of Minnesota, Fasching turned pro following his junior season with the Gophers. Appearing in seven games for the Buffalo Sabres, Fasching scored two points, including his first NHL goal in his first NHL game. A player who fits the mold of a big-bodied power forward down the line, he will be counted on to open up space for his linemates and be aggressive in both the offensive and defensive zones. Given that Buffalo’s top-nine is very young, Fasching will be given every opportunity to carve out a spot in the NHL as early as next season.

Bryan Rust – Pittsburgh Penguins – Up to 74th Overall from 177th Overall

During the Pittsburgh Penguins run to the Stanley Cup Finals, Rust has showcased his overwhelming speed and scoring touch. The four-year player at Notre Dame is likely to fill a bottom-six role with the Pens moving forward but has proved he can add some value from a scoring perspective. In his 41 games at the NHL level this season, Rust scored 11 points and added over a shot and hit per game. Although his offensive output is likely to cap at about 40 points per season, Rust will contribute to your fantasy team in multiple categories with hits, shots and blocked shots.

Martin Reway – Montreal Canadiens – Up to 79th Overall from 181st Overall

The Montreal Canadiens 2013 fourth-round pick is a mystery of a player who fantasy owners hope will finally live up to his massive offensive potential. Although he is just 21 years old, Reway has already bounced between the QMJHL, the Czech League and the Swiss League. In his 33 games this season Reway scored better than a point-per-game average with 36 points. During the 2016 World Championships, Reway took on a leadership role as an assistant captain for his home country of Slovakia. As the Canadiens transition their forward group over the next couple of seasons with an eye on the future, Reway will get a long look.

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