What a week.

It's been a wild week, jammed pack with exciting hockey and a whole lot of drama. The hockey world has seemed to go topsy-turvy this week, with many of the play-in "underdogs" advancing to the official playoff season.

What's even more intriguing, is the landing spot for projected number one pick, Alexis Lafreniere. Instead of the world's top prospect falling to a team in the midst of a rebuild, he will be going to a club primed and ready to push for a playoff position in the same season. With many of the series already set in stone, here are the teams that have a 12.5% chance at the draft lottery sweepstakes:

• New York Rangers
• Winnipeg Jets
• Florida Panthers
• Nashville Predators
• Pittsburgh Penguins
• Edmonton Oilers
• Minnesota Wild
• Columbus Blue Jackets or Toronto Maple Leafs

What's the best part of it all? We only have to wait until Monday to find out. 

One of the more intriguing aspects of the games, at least for me, was seeing some young prospects elevate their games and for some, see their first taste of NHL action. Here are a few quick notes on some of the top performers for me thus far:

• Nick Robertson – After a couple of solid outings, the former OHL standout fired the first goal of his NHL career through the wickets of Joonas Korpisalo, chasing him from his crease. He has contributed for seven shots, two hits, and has been all over the ice surface.
• Thomas Harley – The 20-year-old defenceman earned his first look in game three after John Klingberg was deemed unfit for play. He racked up 10:58 minutes of ice time and added a block and a hit in a 4-0 loss to the Colorado Avalanche. He looks like a very solid prospect and should make things interesting in training camp.
• Matthew Highmore – He has spent the majority of his time on the team’s third-line, providing energy and pressure to the Oilers top line. However, coach Jeremy Colliton has also used him alongside names such as Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. He has contributed with two points (2G + 1A) and has done so with no time on the power-play. He's was a key factor in their series win over the Oilers. An energy player with offensive flair.
• Dillon Dube – Calgary is fresh off a four-game series win over the ailing Winnipeg Jets, and young Dube played a large role in that result. The 21-year-old not only posted a goal and an assist but threw out 10 hits, 12 shots on goal and was a plus-2 rating. I have mentioned this a few times, but this kid is among my top of young prospects right now. Just a pleasure to watch.

A few weeks back, I brought you a few prospect options for all of you interested in deeper leagues based on Dobber’s Top-200 Forward Prospects list for the month of July.  As a continuation of that, I bring you this week's installment of The Journey. Here are some of the mid-range prospects who have been rising up the ranks.

Joey Anderson – New Jersey Devils

Dobber Ranking – April: 227, May: 226, July 118

Position – RW

Anderson earned himself a second recall to the Devils early in February, after a spike in production during his first season as a full-time professional. Although he hasn't blown the roof off in New Jersey thus far, he did manage to provide six points (4G + 2A) through 18 games. This sits just one back from his previous point total from the year prior where he played 34 as a rookie. His progress earned him some looks on the team's second line, alongside the likes of rookie sensation Jack Hughes and veteran pivot Travis Zajac.

The Minnesota native is known for his all-around game, earning his respect by playing a hard-nosed game. If his offensive game can continue to gain strides, the 22-year-old could end up providing a nice mix bag of perks for those who take the chance on him. 

Sure, middle-six is the maximum upside with Anderson, but if drafted at the right spot could make for a nice piece to a deep formatted roster.

Kole Lind – Vancouver Canucks

Dobber Ranking – April: 180, May: 183, July 109

Position – RW

Despite a disappointing inaugural season with he clubs affiliated Utica Comets squad, Lind pulled a 180 and corrected his middle-six trajectory during his sophomore campaign. Not only did he manage 44 points (14G + 30A) on the year, but also contributed 64 penalty minutes and 114 shots on target. While he was once known for his offensive flair during his junior days with the Kelowna Rockets, it's his grit game that takes on new stages for the better. He enjoys going into the tough areas and loves getting under the skin of his opponents.

At this point, it's looking like a middle-six contributor is likely where his game is headed. Yet, with his quick shot and a keen eye for smart hockey plays, he could very well develop into top-six deployment. A mid-range prospect with multi-category player written all over him.

Jesse Ylonen – Montreal Canadiens

Dobber Ranking – April: 219, May: 218, July 102

Position – RW

Ylonen was on his way to Laval to assist in the team's 2019-20 playoff push before COVID ran its course on the season. The 20-year-old has spent his previous two seasons playing in Finland's top league (Liiga) and has served up two consecutive decent seasons with 27 and 22 respectively. 

He shows poise in many aspects of his game but is highlighted by his excellent skating and offensive ability. He enjoys shooting the puck, which is evident from his 333 SOG over his 106 matches overseas. There is definite work to be done in the defensive zone, and there could be some gains in the weight department in order to be successful at the NHL level. Nonetheless, for now, should get by contributing offense. 

Look for him to remain in the American League for the next season or two, but could provide a decent return in the future as a middle-six winger for the Habs. 

Jansen Harkins – Winnipeg Jets

Dobber Ranking – April: 87, May: 87, July 52

Position – C

Everyone loves a great story, and that is exactly what Jansen Harkins is for the Winnipeg Jets. Despite being taken in the second round in 2015, his game struggled to translate into the pro rankings, as it does for so many. From there, it was an uphill battle of mediocre numbers at the ECHL and AHL levels, until eventually his strong play and work ethic forced the hands of the club into calling him up for his first sniff in December.

He played 29 games with the big club, posting seven points and adding 23 hits and 28 blocked shots. He is hard-working, feisty and always ready to make his opponents’ night a living hell. He just recently scored in his first career NHL playoff game and looks poised to become a very serviceable bottom-six player with capabilities of contributing in most categories. A late sleeper for sure, but a great story nonetheless.

Pavel Dorofeyev – Vegas Golden Knights

Dobber Ranking – April: 180, May: 183, July 109

Position – LW

If you are looking for a pure offensive driver from this list, the Russian born winger could be your best ticket. He may not be the meanest player on the ice, despite standing 6-foot-1, but his hands and offensive instinct are quite impressive. He scores pretty goals and has a thirst for creating, and driving plays. Taken in the third round by the Vegas Knights just one year ago, he has already developed into what should be considered a very sly steal.

Playing as a 19-year-old rookie in the KHL, Dorofeyev had the numbers that you would expect. Although he began the year with a batch of points, his game actually hit a cold spell by the tail end of the 2019-20 season, going pointless in his last 19 games (includes four playoff matches). He finished the campaign with four goals, three assists with a plus-11 rating. Don't let that fool you though, he has dominated (and I mean dominated) at every level in the past, including internationally, and his struggles should be considered nothing but growing pains for a young player trying to develop with minimum opportunity.

He has yet to ink a deal with the Knights, however, if they can get a deal done, expect him to be an interesting piece to the puzzle in the coming years. He may be somewhat of a wait, but well worth it if you can find him in the midst of your dynasty drafts.

Philipp Kurashev – Chicago Blackhawks

Dobber Ranking – April: 213, May: 212, July 107

Position – C

If you need hits, penalty minutes, or blocked shots, look no further than Philipp Kurashev. Although he posted fair numbers during his days in the QMJHL, his game does not revolve around that at the pro level and will likely make a name for himself in the peripheral department.

This works just fine for a Blackhawks club which already possesses a nice batch of offensively talented players and could use some grit among their bottom-six. Stay away from him in points only formats, but don't miss in deeper multi-cats.

Thanks so much for taking the time this week. Best of luck to all the teams in the hunt for that first overall pick. See you next week.