Welcome back to The Journey. 

It is hard to believe, but this will be the final installment before we officially see our 2020 Stanley Cup champion. With all the unknown timeline heading into the next season, this final stretch of games will be nothing short of bittersweet. What an interesting run it’s been, full of extremely uncharted circumstances and an assortment of ups, downs, shockers, and of course, opportunity. Just ask Joel Kiviranta, Dallas Stars prospect, who was given a shot in the lineup and exploded on the scene for five goals and six points during his NHL (playoff) debut, which included a well-timed Game 7 hat-trick. 

Also, a big kudos to the league for executing this bubble, a task that I had originally had my share of doubts towards. It went off without a hitch and was quite an interesting experience from a fan's perspective.  

On a fantasy note – I hope you enjoyed yourselves and are currently basking in a potential fantasy playoff pool victory. I, myself, am in a very tight battle to take down first place in my respected pool. With that in mind, for selfish reasons, I will be cheering on Tampa Bay to close this series out as quickly as possible.

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Moving right along. Today, I will be wrapping up my mini-series, which highlights names from various regions slated to make their (North American) professional debuts. So far, I have taken trips through the NCAA, KHL, and Europe and will now be turning my focus towards goaltenders from all three regions. 

Let's dive right in.

Ilya Sorokin, KHL – New York Islanders

Sorokin, 24, will be making his anticipated journey to North America after officially signing his ELC deal in July. Despite being ineligible to partake in any playoff action, the Islanders were eager to have him sign, burning a year off of his contract just to get him in the system. 

The Russian netminder is nothing short of a generational talent and has been touted as one of the best backstops outside of the NHL for years. The 2014 third-rounder has played a total of 244 games with KHL powerhouse, CSKA Moscow, posting an incredible 1.70 goals-against, along with a .930 save percentage. To put his resume in perspective, here is a list of where he ranks all-time among KHL goaltenders:

GP – 244 (16th)

GA – 1.70 (3rd)

Save %- .930 (7th) 

Wins – 134 (7th)

Shutouts – 44 (3rd)

It sounds as though Thomas Greiss will test free-agency during the offseason, meaning Sorokin will have little-to-no barriers making the jump to the NHL. While I do anticipate he starts in the AHL to allow for a healthy transition, do not be shocked to see him called up by midseason, or even earlier. He is a game breaker, and should be targeted very early in your prospect drafts, certainly top-5 within the goalie prospect group.

Daniil Tarasov, Liiga/KHL – Columbus Blue Jackets

He may not fall under the same tier as Sorokin, but Tarasov is yet another talented Russian netminder heading into the mix. After cycling through Russia’s MHL and VHL ranks, he found himself in Finland last season to assume a starting role with Porin Asaat (Liiga). He by no means blew the hinges off statically speaking. Yet, with a 2.72 goals-against and a .899 save-percentage through 41 games (behind a subpar team), he handled himself well given his age.

For now, while he awaits a decision in regards to the pandemic, Tarasov has taken his talents back to Russia, where he will suit up for Salavat Yulaev Ufa (KHL). He likely warms the bench as a backup, but should be given opportunities to test the waters in a handful of matches throughout the season. Once NHL training camps open, he will make his way to Ohio, where he likely fills a spot on the AHL roster. He currently sits at the top of the Blue Jackets pipeline and carries high upside potential. Look to draft him somewhere in the top-15 among goaltender prospects.

Vasili Demchenko, KHL – Montreal Canadiens

As a result of playing the better portion of nine seasons as a starter in the KHL, Demchenko has earned himself a one-year (NHL) entry-level deal and will head to Montreal to battle for his spot within the organization’s depth chart. The 26-year-old has enjoyed a very respectable career in Russia, combining for a 2.37 GAA, .925 SV %, and 14 shutouts. Heading in as an overage prospect, Demchenko is a finished product, and the Canadiens know exactly what to expect from him once he arrives. For this reason, I find this to be a very interesting signing.

The Canadians carry a crowded crease, and only added to that this year via Jake Allen, and now Demchenko. Assuming no more more moves are made, that leaves a healthy battle for time in Laval, where he is up against both Cayden Primeau and Charlie Lindgren. Reports suggest that the Canadiens may have lost confidence in Lindgren, and it's more than likely that they allow their top-end prospect to see as much game-time as possible (Primeau), but time will tell. Barring any injury, Demchenko looks to be brought in as a depth piece, and may not ever see the light of an NHL day. However, it's very possible that the Canadiens have another move under their belt. Keep a close eye on what happens in Montreal. 

Jeremy Swayman, NCAA – Boston Bruins

Mike Richter Award (NCAA most valuable goaltender), NCAA (East) Goaltender/Player of The Year Award, and Hobey Baker finalist – these are just a few of Jeremy Swayman’s 2019-20 accomplishments. 

Boston’s 2017 fourth-rounder has blossomed into one of the more intriguing stories out of collegiate rankings. At 6-3, he carries average size but combined this with his quick, athletic style, has proven to be a very dangerous net presence. He is a very aggressive netminder, challenging shooters and forcing them to make quick decisions in tight.

The Alaskan native will turn pro this season but may have to take the long road to reach the top ranks. With Tuukka Rask and Jaroslav Halak patrolling the crease for the foreseeable future, and Dan Vladar also in the mix, some AHL seasoning could be in the forecast for the next few seasons. Nonetheless, if you are able to stash him away and lay patient, Swayman shows a strong upside and carries all the necessary tools to become an NHL starter down the road. In my opinion, he surpasses Vladar and sits at the top of the club's depth chart, making him a top-15 prospect draft candidate.

Tyler Wall, NCAA – New York Rangers

With Russian phenom Igor Shesterkin officially the go-to guy in New York, and Alexander Georgiev a very close second, it's not the best time to be investing in a Rangers goalie prospect. However, Tyler Wall, a Leamington, Ontario native, has officially signed a two-year ELC out of the NCAA and will make his professional debut for the organization during the 2020-21 campaign. 

At the ripe age of 22, there is a possibility of Wall starting his career down in the ECHL, simply to allow him as many starting opportunities as possible. However, I do expect him to be a full-time starter in the AHL within the next two seasons and begin to get sniffs at the top within the next five (assuming he develops). With that in mind, It's impossible to sugarcoat the matter, he is a long term project. Prior to being selected deep in the 2017 entry-draft (sixth round), Wall enjoyed a respectable four year NCAA tenure with UMASS, compiling a 58-42-10 record with 2.28 goals-against, .918 save percentage, and nine shutouts. While I do not foresee him being a starter in the NHL, there is potential to be a serviceable backup down the road.

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Thanks for joining me for another week. Look out for next week's installment, when I deliver my 2020 Mock Draft.   As always, find me on Twitter @hall1289.