The Journey examines Dobber’s top 50 prospect defensemen list and assesses the fast risers in the June rankings. 

Nikita Zaitsev – Toronto Maple Leafs – Up to 12^th from unranked

After proving himself as one of the best defensemen in the KHL over the past two seasons, Zaitsev inked a one-year deal with the Maple Leafs this offseason. He will likely draw immediately into Toronto’s top-four given their lack of quality blueliners and has the chance to play alongside Morgan Rielly in all situations if his transition to the NHL is a smooth one.

The two-way defenseman posted 79 points in his last two KHL seasons, playing 139 regular season and playoff games over that span for CSKA Moscow. Zaitsev is a talented, smart prospect whose abilities should translate well to the North American game. If he isn’t already on your radar for upcoming drafts, he should be, especially in cap leagues where he could well out-produce his modest cap hit.

Mike Matheson – Florida Panthers – Up to 13^th Overall from 22^nd Overall

Florida’s willingness to move Erik Gudbranson this offseason signals the Panthers are ready to give their 2012 first-round pick Matheson every opportunity to make the team out of camp. The former Boston College captain finished his first professional season playing 54 games for the Panthers AHL affiliate in Portland, and eight NHL games for Florida.

Matheson was a vital piece of Canada’s World Championships team that took home a gold medal in Russia in May, finishing tied for second in scoring among defensemen in the tournament with six points in 10 games. Primarily deployed as an offensive defenseman, Matheson is an electric skater and has the ability to create plays and stockpile points both at even strength and on the power-play with his elite-level skill.

Slater Koekkoek – Tampa Bay Lightning – Up to 19^th Overall from 36^th Overall

After playing the majority of the last two seasons for Syracuse in the AHL, Koekkoek got his first extended taste of the NHL at the end of the 2015-16 season and into the playoffs. An intelligent puck mover, Koekkoek is the type of defenseman that can skate or pass his way out of trouble in the defensive zone, and has the ability to find open teammates for scoring chances in the offensive zone. The biggest thing standing in the way of him becoming a full-time NHL player may be Tampa’s set defensive group for next season.

Koekkoek will likely be the first call-up in case of an injury, but with Anthony DeAngelo and Nikita Nesterov also in the equation, it could be interesting to see how things shakeout in Tampa. Coach Jon Cooper’s willingness to use the former OHL All-Star in the playoffs as the replacement for Anton Stralman’s roster spot proves he may have the initial leg up among Tampa’s prospect defensemen going into next season.

Ryan Graves – New York Rangers – Up to 21^st Overall from 102^nd Overall

Graves was a pleasant surprise for Hartford of the AHL last season, scoring nine goals and adding 12 helpers in his first professional season. At 6-4 and nearly 225 pounds, his offensive output is a bonus, and Graves is showing he may have more upside then scouts initially thought.

With Dan Boyle retiring and Keith Yandle potentially moving on as an unrestricted free agent this offseason, the Rangers could have two spots open in their top-six next year. Graves will likely battle Dylan McIlrath and Brady Skjei in camp to see who will fill the vacancies on the Rangers blueline next season. He has the potential to be a multi-category asset for fantasy owners once he sticks in the NHL, likely to provide points, penalty minutes, shot blocks and hits.

Ethan Bear – Edmonton Oilers – Up to 39^th Overall from 88^th Overall

Edmonton’s fifth round pick from last year had a terrific season for the Seattle Thunderbirds in the WHL. In 69 regular season games, Bear produced at nearly a point-per-game pace, posting 65 points. He elevated his game in the WHL playoffs with 22 points in 18 games.

He was one of the most improved prospects from last year’s draft, taking a huge step forward in his third full season in the WHL. Expect him to return to Seattle next year, as Bear is likely a few years away from making an impact at the NHL level, but is one to keep your eye on for the future.

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