Welcome back for this week’s edition of The Journey. It was a quiet week in the hockey world, aside from the OHL Bantam Draft which took place on Friday afternoon. With the first selection, the North Bay Battalion took 16-year-old Ty Nelson, who is a swift-skating blueliner playing out of the GTHL with the Toronto Jr. Canadiens. Keep your eyes peeled in the coming year's dynasty league owners, as the next batch has arrived.

Last week, I dove into a few draft worthy rookie forward prospects who could make a splash in the 2020 season. Since many of you likely have some time on your hands to plan out your fantasy team’s future, I thought I would continue the trend and gravitate to the blue line.

There is a crop of very skilled defenders on their way to the big leagues in the next few seasons, and 2020-21 will definitely showcase a few of those names. With that in mind, If you are looking for your next Quinn Hughes or Cale Makar in next year’s draft, you may be out of luck. Do not worry though, 2020 will still see a solid group of fantasy-worthy rookies on the backend for your drafting needs.

Here are four defenders you should keep on your radars for deep in your drafts next season. All of these defenders have played 10 games or fewer at the NHL level.

Evan Bouchard – Edmonton Oilers

Despite the Oilers already branding some young talent on their blueline, Bouchard should be in the conversation to make the jump come October. The Ontario native will be heading into his second pro season after enjoying a respectable AHL rookie campaign in 2019-20. This was a year that saw him finish third among rookie defenders with seven goals and 29 helpers, while leading the way with 139 shots on target.

Bouchard carries an absolute cannon and does not shy away from utilizing it. He is a giant offensive threat and could immediately boost both the Oilers’ even-strength and power-play unit numbers. He carries NHL-ready size and plays a well-rounded style, which should allow him to hold his own at the top level. After all, you are looking at a d-man who put up 87 points with the London Knights just three years ago. In other words, the potential is beaming.

As mentioned, the Oilers do have a few young players already occupying their blue lines, which means that there will be healthy competition. However, I believe he is ready to take on the task and could see 25-30 points in his first year and could fill out some peripherals, depending on his deployment. 

Ty Smith – New Jersey Devils

Devils fans have a stud coming their way, and it could be next season. Ty Smith, taken in the first round of the 2018 draft, has spent the past four seasons dominating the WHL with the Spokane Chiefs. His point totals have sat in the top-4 among defenders three years running and is now the highest (active) scoring defender in the league with 234 points in 240 games. 

Of course, his offense is going to be his ticket to the NHL. Yet with a combined plus-91 rating over his junior career, he also showcases fantastic two-way elements. He is somewhat smaller in size at just 5-11 and 179 pounds. However, much like many young defenders in the game today, his dynamic skating and puck skills should allow him to step right in and succeed with ease. He has top-pairing written all over him and is destined to become the Devils’ power-play quarterback in the next few seasons. 

Depending on how he fares in camp, Smith could take some reps in the American League while he adjusts. However, I fully expect him to make the jump at one point or another in the 2020-21 campaign. At his prime, you could be very well looking at a 60-70 point-producer.

Alexander Romanov – Montreal Canadiens

After an early end to his final year in the KHL, Romanov is officially considered a free agent. While he has yet to sign a deal with the Canadians, all indications point towards an agreement. Assuming he signs, the 5-10 rearguard carries a very high chance of making the big club out of training camp. He is considered their top prospect on the back end and his experience playing in men's leagues should make his transition a smooth one. 

Despite Romanov working hard to increase his offensive capabilities, he likely won't rack up huge numbers at the NHL level, at least not right off the bat. However, there is still some untapped potential that could see him provide 30-40 points. His defensive game is what really sets him aside from others and what will make him an impact player out the gate. He plays a smart game and shows great responsibility on his side of the ice. He's got the ability to read plays better than most and understands when to step in and when to stay back. More importantly, he loves to lay out the body and has made a name for himself by throwing out illusive hip checks.

If your league runs off categories or counts peripheral statistics, Romanov will fill all of your needs. Yes, he has only posted 11 points through 86 games overseas, but he still carries decent fantasy value.

Jake Bean – Carolina Hurricanes

The Hurricanes’ blueline is deep. Yet you have to wonder how they could take a pass at their rising defender Jake Bean. The 21-year-old has taken his game to a new level since turning pro last season. In his two seasons with the Charlotte Checkers of the AHL, Bean has racked up 92 points and led all defenders in the 2019-20 campaign.

He could still benefit from adding some pounds to his 6-1 frame, but otherwise, the Calgary native looks nothing but ready to make the jump. He is a very smart puck-moving defender who thrives on the power play. He plays the game with great poise and you rarely see him make mistakes in his own zone. 

Barring an injury, I expect him to be slotted into the Hurricanes’ roster come October. However, given their crowded blue line, it is unclear where he slots in right now. Nonetheless, he has the potential to become a solid 50-60 point guy at the NHL level and could begin to show spurts as early as next year. Take the chance and see where the ride takes you.

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Thanks again for taking the time to read The Journey. As always, feel free to catch me on Twitter @hall1289 for any suggestions or players you would like to read more about. Stay safe and be well.