I’ve come to realize over the past few years, in my time writing with Dobber Hockey and Dobber Prospects, that the content we provide is truly relative. I’ve always done my best to provide perspective in my writing, but sometimes that can be misinterpreted. This week I’ve decided to put a new spin on the monthly rotation of Dobber’s Fastest Rising Prospects, by exclusively indicating what types of leagues these fast rising prospects are really relevant to. One key thing to remember is that throughout the article, regardless of the depth in question, we’ll be speaking purely in regards to points-only leagues. Without further ado, enjoy the new format – I hope it provides a little extra benefit to your various teams!

(Reference: See last week’s edition of The Journey to get a better idea of how to apply the terms shallow, medium and deep)

For Shallow Leagues

Ryan Donato, Minnesota Wild | JAN 2019 – 38 | FEB 2019 – 35 (+3) | NOW – 6 (+29)

The move from Boston to Minnesota has Donato rocketing back up the prospect rankings after a mid-season slump that saw him stagnate in the 30-40 range on Dobber’s list. The immediate offensive resurgence that the former Hobey Baker finalist has experienced on his new NHL team is reflected by the massive 29-point jump into the top-10. In a month of graduating a mere three prospects (Dylan Strome, Andreas Johnsson, Adam Erne), the list offered little room for improvement at the top, making Donato’s jump that much more captivating.

His nine points in ten games played since the trade from Boston seem to have him back in a similar groove to the one he had been in immediately after leaving Harvard. If given the right opportunity with the Wild, Donato could conceivably develop into one of the team’s most lethal fantasy players. If you were smart enough to pick him up at his low-point in Boston, prepare to reap the benefits – if not, do what you can to nab him before your fellow owners find this article!

Notable mentions: Martin Necas (+3), Troy Terry (+3), Drake Batherson (+2)

For Medium Depth Leagues

Cooper Marody, Edmonton Oilers | JAN 2019 – 112 | FEB 2019 – 97 (+15) | NOW – 59 (+38)

Another former collegiate player making noise in the mid-range of Dobber’s list is Edmonton prospect, Cooper Marody. The Bakersfield Condors are the American League’s hottest squad as of late, in large part due to the consistent contributions of Marody. The former Flyers’ draft-pick has contributed 17 points in the Condors’ most recent 14 contests, making him one of the hottest players in the entire league. At the ripe age of 22, expectations are understandably higher for Marody than prospects, and rookie pros in particular. However, the stamina displayed by a player who is unfamiliar with playing in any more than 40 games per calendar year is a positive sign to say the least – if anything, he seems to be really hitting his stride at this point in the season. Don’t be surprised to see the Michigan native make yet another jump on Dobber’s list in the month of April, as there’s plenty of hockey left to be played in Northern California.

Marody’s extreme drive is what has helped him to elevate his game to this level – it’s a trait that much of the Oilers’ squad has been lacking until this point in the year, and something that they could certainly use more of in the fall. His ceiling isn’t as high as some top-prospects on his own, but should he have the opportunity to play alongside McJesus, 50+ points is more than a conceivable target.

Notable mentions: Dylan Gambrell (+33), Jeremy Bracco (+32), Jonathan Davidsson (+31)

For Deep Leagues

Jack Rodewald, Ottawa Senators | JAN 2019 – Not Ranked | FEB 2019 – 261 | NOW – 162 (+99)

Talk about an underdog story… Four years ago, as a 22-year-old, Rodewald played 62 games in the ECHL with the Orlando Solar Bears – today he’s making a nearly 100-place jump on Dobber’s top prospects list. The now 25-year-old has led the Belleville Senators’ AHL squad in a year where their parent team in Ottawa has undergone a severe dismantling to say the least. He’s been allowed two stints in Ottawa – one in December and again in late February totalling six games played.

Unless the Senators mysteriously become eager to spend big money in the midst of their major overhaul, Rodewald should have an excellent opportunity to don an NHL sweater next fall. His production at the NHL level thus far has been non-existent, but at an average of around seven minutes per game, not much should be expected. For deep leagues with an open waiver pool, he is one player you’ll want to add to your watch list.

Notable mentions: Justin Almeida (+77), Kirill Maksimov (+58), Peter Cehlarik (+55)

I hope the new format is something that’s pleasing to The Journey faithful. We’re always looking for different ways to provide better content, and I think this is something that will add value to the column going forward. Let me know what you think on Twitter @olaf1393 and share the heck out of the article to get the word out!