The Journey digs into prospect storylines heading into and persisting through training camps and the start of the 2017-18 season. This is the third part of this series and the first two can be found here.

1.       Lias Andersson back to Sweden while Filip Chytil stays?

When New York acquired a top-10 pick at the draft in June via the Derek Stepan trade with Arizona, it was widely suggested that they had their sights set on drafting a young center. Lias Andersson ended up being the pick, who was at the time touted at the time as a safe selection. Andersson came equipped with one of the highest floors in the draft, and the young Swede was, by all accounts, a player who was not far from being an NHLer, certainly ahead of some of his 2017 NHL draft peers.

The Rangers swung for the fences with their second first-round pick in Chytil, as they selected a high upside prospect who appeared to be a bit raw, but was among the most talented players in the draft. As camp rolled around, both Andersson and Chytil were among the best prospects of the group, with Chytil winning the media voted on award for the best prospect in the preseason. On Thursday, Andersson was sent back to Frolunda of the SHL, and Chytil remains. Does he fit as a middle-six center for the Blue Shirts for the long haul? Mika Zibanejad appears to have the top center spot locked down, and David Desharnais, the fourth, but with Kevin Hayes the only other center on the roster, a spot in the top nine appears to be Chytil’s to lose. Obviously, moving forward the games only get harder, but if the Czech youngster sticks, he will certainly have some talent around him in New York. For those who took a flier on him in prospect drafts this summer, pat yourselves on the back.

2. Yamamoto? Puljujarvi? Both?

Edmonton’s selection of Kailer Yamamoto just seemed to fit right when it was made. Among the most talented players in the draft, Yamamoto was met with some skepticism due to his size. However, at every level, club or internationally, the Spokane Chief has thrived. His skill with the puck is undeniable, and his on-ice smarts are perfect for what the Oilers are building, and more notably for fantasy owners, for Connor McDavid’s wing. From what I saw in preseason from Yamamoto, every time he was on the ice he made something happen. On nights that he needed to be, he was the spark to the team’s offense which tends to, at times, watch McDavid and expect him to score five goals a night. The 5’8” winger’s ability to win pucks in one-on-one battles and to get to high-danger areas has been refreshing.

While Yamamoto has captured his fair share of headlines over the last month, Jesse Puljujarvi has flown a bit under the radar. After a season where he split time between the NHL and the AHL, and despite thriving in Bakersfield, the young Finn’s rookie season was seen as a bit of a disappointment by fantasy owners due to other prospects’ successes. Despite being drafted a year apart from each other, both Yamamoto and Puljujarvi are only a few months apart in age. The fact that Puljujarvi is AHL eligible, and Yamamoto is not, makes me think we may see at least a trial from the 2017 first rounder. Either or both could stick, and both will play prominent offensive roles, be it now or in the future.

3. Will the stellar preseason Martin Necas has had be enough for a Hurricanes roster spot?

Another mid-first rounder, the Hurricanes continued their overhaul of their prospect system with the drafting of Martin Necas out of the Czech Republic. As many of you know, I watch Carolina more than any other team, and this preseason has been a joy. The system for the first time has provided competition for roster spots that has not been the case in recent years. Necas is leading that charge.

The speed that he plays with, and the skill that he possesses are mesmerizing at times. But, it isn’t his wheels that will be the deciding factor in whether or not he stays in Carolina. The fact that he has played among professionals in Europe shows through in the unassuming parts of his game. He supports the puck well. He doesn’t over-handle, or try to make something out of nothing in the offensive zone. Often the simple play is the right play, and to this point Necas has exemplified that mentality. The Canes are built off those principles, and Coach Bill Peters will always look for those characteristics in players in addition to their skillset. With Lee Stempniak and Teuvo Teravianen knicked up, there could be place for Necas to receive a trial to start the season with the big club before being loaned back to his European club. Janne Kuokkanen is also still in camp, and has also been impressive, but my best guess is that he will get some seasoning at the AHL level. If Stempniak misses extended time, Necas may fill his void.

4. Victor Mete, first-pairing defenseman?

One of the best stories of the preseason has been the emergence of fourth-round pick Victor Mete in Montreal. As a 19-year-old, the London Knights star may start the season in the Habs lineup, alongside perennial all-star Shea Weber on Montreal’s top pairing.

Despite playing just 50 games for London, Mete was near a point-per-game player in the OHL a season ago, at times outshining 2016 top five pick Olli Juolevi on the Knights blueline. Many thought he’d be back with his junior club as one of the league’s best rear guards, playing a role for Canada’s World Junior team in the winter, but his play this preseason may have put that line of thinking in question. Although he’s not the biggest player on the ice by any measurement, Mete does have above-average skating ability and possesses the ability to be a puck moving and possession force that is coveted in today’s NHL. Coach Claude Julien continues to slot him next to Weber, potentially realizing that his ability to distribute and drive offense will help the veteran defenseman who can in turn provide cover for Mete in the defensive zone. With newly-signed Karl Alzner, Jeff Petry, Jordie Benn, and a nearly 40-year-old Mark Streit likely rounding out the Montreal defensive group, the Canadiens can certainly use more offense and youth on the back end. Could Mete provide the type of offensive ability that can help Montreal moving forward?

5. Does Logan Brown start the season in Ottawa?

After being drafted 11^th overall in 2016, and possessing NHL size as a 19-year-old, it was only a matter of time until Logan Brown was in the conversation for a spot at center with the Ottawa Senators. However, that timeline may have been moved up this offseason. I’m of the thinking that he may be a year away, but as it at times does, injuries can make a big difference in the development of prospects within an organization. Derick Brassard appears tagged to start the season on the shelf as the Senators ease him back into the fold following his shoulder rehab. Colin White is out for nearly two months with a broken wrist.

These circumstances could mean good things for Brown, and in turn fantasy owners, especially those in super deep dynasty formats. Fellow prospect Alex Formenton also remains in camp, but is likely ticketed to return to junior when the regular season rolls around. Brown, who is renowned for his passing ability and draws comparisons to other pass-first centers such as Ryan Getzlaf and Joe Thornton, would likely be a top-nine and power play option for the Senators. He will, in time, pile up the points with the man advantage for Ottawa as he has net front ability, but also the talent to work the half wall and find open teammates. Brown is not AHL eligible, so he will either be one of the best forwards in the OHL for Windsor, or helping the Sens towards a playoff return this season.

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