The Journey examines which high-level forward prospects will be battling it out in camp in the next few weeks with the potential to provide value in fantasy leagues.

Mathew Barzal – New York Islanders

A big topic of conversation this offseason has been the ability of the Islanders to add another pivot to play in the hole behind John Tavares. Outside of JT, there isn’t a lot of depth at the center ice position, with Brock Nelson and the newly-signed Stephen Gionta as the only real options. There was news of New York trying to add an impact piece like Matt Duchene to the lineup, but at this point, a noisy move has not been made.

Enter: Mathew Barzal, who with a good camp has a shot of being the number two center with the Isles this season. The former Seattle Thunderbird is one best forward prospects in hockey, and as a consummate playmaker will be a great fit for the club both at even strength and with the man advantage. The 20-year-old’s 79 points in just 41 games were good for a point-per-game rate of 1.93 which was third among all WHL players. Unlike last year when he broke camp with the NHL club, Barzal does have the option of playing in the AHL this season, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he is needed at a higher level.

Evgeny Svechnikov – Detroit Red Wings

Svechnikov is going to be a prospect that I am going to watch very closely over the next month. His offensive ability among the Wings prospect group is nearly unparalleled, and he certainly passed his first professional test in the AHL last season with 51 points in 74 games.

I am not among those who believe that Andreas Athanasiou will bolt for the KHL as was floated this week, but if for some reason he does, Svechnikov could be the biggest beneficiary given his top-level offensive talent. Tyler Bertuzzi and Svechnikov have the best chance of sticking at the NHL level among Detroit prospect forwards, and the former’s ability to more easily fit into a bottom-six role could give him the leg up as the forward to break camp with the Red Wings. However, Svechnikov is an incredibly skilled winger and is not far from a permanent NHL roster spot.

Oskar Lindblom – Philadelphia Flyers

Following a terrific year in the SHL, Lindblom signed his entry-level contract with the Flyers this summer. As a 20-year-old playing top minutes in Sweden, Lindblom put up 47 points in 52 games, finishing second in the league in goals. In 2015-16, before his breakout season in Sweden, Lindblom found success on a North American rink in the AHL, posting seven points in eight contests for Lehigh Valley.

However, a huge year doesn’t make the 21-year-old winger a lock for making the club out of camp. Philadelphia has nine veteran forwards who are going to make the team. Adding Lindblom to the likes of Travis Konecny, Nolan Patrick, Jordan Weal and Mike Vecchione, and you have a good amount of talent for a limited number of NHL spots. Dale Weise and Michael Raffl’s multi-year contracts could end up blocking some of the Flyers talent knocking on the door, causing them to spend time in the AHL even if they are ready for an NHL roster spot.

Anders Bjork – Boston Bruins

Typically, the Bruins like their prospects to spend ample time in Providence before moving into an NHL role. Regulars like Ryan Spooner, Frank Vatrano and Austin Czarnik who have made the NHL jump over the last few seasons have plied their trade in the AHL before getting their shot in Boston.

Bjork, who spent three years in Hockey East with Notre Dame is another who will be up and down between Providence and Boston as early as this season. With a bottom six in flux, there will be a few spots that could be up for grabs with the Bruins this fall and Bjork will certainly be considered. The ability that Bjork has, to play a two-way game but also fill in in a top-six and power play role when called upon, could give him the leg up in head-to-head competition with other prospects. His deployment will be very important to any fantasy value that the 21-year-old has moving forward.

Timo Meier – San Jose Sharks

Like Barzal above, Meier was a mid-first round draft choice who could get his first real opportunity to show what he can do this season. With Patrick Marleau moving on from the Sharks, the team will need to replace a perennial 25-30 goals, starting this season.

With the inconsistency of Mikkel Boedker’s first season in California, Meier could be the one who is called upon to be a part of a committee to fill the scoring void in Marleau’s absence. In 2016-17, the Swiss forward split his 67 games between the AHL and NHL, scoring at a decent clip in the minor leagues, but failing to make a huge impact at the NHL level. He should improve upon the 12 minutes per game he was seeing in his rookie campaign, and should receive more than the handful of power play minutes that he was granted in his first season. If Boedker falters or Thomas Hertl struggles to stay healthy, Meier could reap the offensive rewards.

Jakub Vrana – Washington Capitals

Changes were needed in Washington after failing to make the Stanley Cup finals yet again following a top regular season finish. The biggest of these changes was the departure of Marcus Johansson, who was moved the New Jersey Devils in early July. Johansson was on average a 50-point player for the Capitals over the last four seasons, and the team will need to replace his offense from within.

The two players who should lead the charge are youngsters Vrana and Andre Burakovsky, each of whom were first round picks in consecutive drafts. Burakovsky has spent the majority of the last few seasons with the Caps, but Vrana will be given his best opportunity starting this season. With the right line combination, and the correct deployment, Vrana could be a 40-point player as early as this season. He will likely start on the team’s third line and second power play unit, but early success could bump him up the lineup.

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