Deciding between keepers is one of the more stress-worthy decisions one can face. Those who do not participate in fantasy just do not understand the pressure. Of course, It’s not always a challenge. Finding super stud keepers is easy, as is finding players less than worthy of the list. What makes it so tough are those pesky bubble players. Players which were once among the top of your list, but have now fallen off, or on the verge of doing so. When do we let go? When do we move on?

Many factors will go into your final decisions, such as – past injury issues, attitude problems, flat-lined production, or the most popular within the prospect world, being bumped by a newer, more exciting version. 

Depending on how big your roster list is, there is a fine line between a true keeper and one that sits on the fringe. Of course, if you are in a deep league, with multiple keeper slots, this is not an issue. Lucky you. For the rest of us with only a few, the decision is enough to drive us mad. 

With that in mind, I have created, what I believe to be, a Bubble Prospect All-Star team. Based on the new 3-on-3 format in the NHL, the team will consist of the following:

• Nine Skaters
  • Six Forwards
  • One extra forward (just in case)
  • Three Defenders
  • * I have kept goalies out of the conversations, as they are a completely different beast, with much more of an obvious short term outlook *

In order to qualify for the team, the player must fall into ALL of these categories:

• Must have played at least one game in the NHL, but no more than 65.
• Must have been considered somewhat of a high-end talent player (at one point in time).
• Must be on Dobber's list of Forward/Defender prospects.
• Must have a history of one of the following: Injury, production issues, attitude problems, or finally, has been knocked down the prospect pipeline.

To keep it light in spirit, I have also wrapped-up each player with the perfect meme to describe my thoughts on their current situations. Why not, it’s Saturday.

Line One – The Scoring Line

Eeli Tolvanen, LW, Predators

Given the current mood surrounding Tolvanen, it feels like he may be on verge of slipping into "bubble" territory. While he was once considered a highly touted sniper prospect, his game has struggled through transition, resulting in a slip in his stock. 

I’m not panicking.

He has recently taken his talents to the KHL and looks to be keeping up well for the time being. His totals at the AHL (71 through 121 games) are by no means fantastic, but not worthy of a writeoff just yet. The Predators should be giving him one final kick at the can to etch a roster spot, and if that happens, he still carries a deadly shot and a thirst for the limelight.

My thoughts on his situation:

Henrik Borgstrom, C, Panthers

Carrying on the trend of former point-producers gone cold, Henrik Borgstrom currently occupies one of the top spots on the list of potential "bust" contenders. Despite putting on a show at the NCAA level, Borgstrom has failed to progress into the top-six threat in which many had hoped for out the gate. 

With that being said, I’m still not ready to give up on him just yet. I truly believe that he continues to carry untapped potential, and if used correctly, can still grow into his previous stock. Of course, he is currently sitting as an RFA, so who knows if that potential is reached in Florida. 

He is finally healthy and currently playing games overseas for HIFK Helsinki alongside a (hopeful) future teammate in Anton Lundell. Perhaps with a small dose of confidence, he can get his game back on track, sign a contract, and bring that momentum into training camp. He still carries undeniable offensive brilliance, he just needs a push to get it going.

My thoughts on his situation:

Second-Line – Production Potential

Lias Andersson, C, Kings

There have been many bumps along the way in Andersson's journey to becoming a full-time NHL player – even a daily pro, for that matter. From throwing his silver medal during the 2017 WJC to his publicly shamed disagreements on ice-time with the Rangers organization – it feels that his character issues have overshadowed what he can do on the ice. 

Luckily, fantasy owners were recently thrown a bone, and it came in the form of a trade. The Rangers dealt the disgruntled 22-year-old to a budding LA Kings club, which could prove to be the perfect destination for him to regain his form at the NHL level. With a list of their future stars still a season away (give or take), Andersson could be given the green light to play serviceable minutes once again. Let's take a moment to thank the Kings for taking him in as one of their own.

My thoughts on his situation:

Max Comtois, LW/C, Ducks

Max Comtois comes in as the potential odd-man-out in Anaheim, assuming he does not blow the roof off of training camp. He has already been given quick test runs at the NHL level two years running but has failed to keep himself afloat on the roster sheet. Given that his stints have come in midst of some otherwise weak and inexperienced Ducks teams, there is some cause for concern. Sort of.

Listed at 6-2, 207-pounds, he certainly has the build to hold his own, and with 244 points in 214 games at the junior level, the offensive well runs deep. He’s currently fringing on the bubble and will likely duke it out with the likes of Sonny Milano and Sam Steel for that final spot on the roster. 

My thoughts on his situation:

Line Three – Just Above the Cut Line

Michael Rasmussen, C, Red Wings

Drafted ninth overall in 2017, Rasmussen was held in high regard and considered as one of the organization’s top prospects. With 24 points in 38 games, he has produced decently at the American League level but has yet to take that next leap to assure the Red Wings that he is ready for NHL action. He is the most tenured player on this list and just made this “bubble team” by a hair. However, he did not look overly great through his stint in the NHL, giving owners a reason to doubt.

With fellow centreman Joe Veleno rushing past him on the depth chart – and likely ready for NHL deployment – and Dylan Larkin occupying that top-line spot, there seems to be little room for Rasmussen at the moment. 

However, it’s important to note how weak the Wings are up the middle. Given his towering size, and ability to produce at a passable rate, it will only take is a slight incline during the 2020-21 campaign, and he could be right back in the conversation. Let's give him at least one more season before we move on, shall we?

My thoughts on his situation:

Aleksi Saarela, W, Panthers

With 139 points in 195 games, Aleksi Saarela has been a consistent producer in the American League circuit and looks primed to make a push for a permanent position at the NHL level. He was brought into the Panthers organization via trade last year and instantly found himself at the top of the club's prospect pipeline.

He is currently overseas, suiting up for Lukko (Liiga), and has netted an impressive eight goals through 11 games, sitting second league-wide in that regard. 

The makeup of the Panthers 2020-21 roster will be nothing short of a toss-up. However, despite a few names that will certainly challenge him, Saarela shows strong potential to test, at the very least, bottom-six deployment. If so, his offensive nature could bring a welcomed addition of secondary production. He’s capable of moving through the lineup, and could also warrant some time on the man advantage.

My thoughts on his situation:

Extra Forward

Tyler Benson, LW, Oilers

Despite a strong rookie campaign in the AHL just two years ago (66 points through 68 games), Tyler Benson’s game has somewhat flatlined in terms of where he ranks in the system. However, the former Vancouver Giant certainly holds offensive upside, and if he can find another look on this growing Oilers team, the potential is always there to be realized. 

Given the uncertainty surrounding next season, there is a chance that Benson is the beneficiary of an extended roster, or at least a quick callup. If he can catch a piece of middle-six production, and perhaps some power-play time, who knows what happens. Gamble on him getting into the line-up and catching fire alongside a star.

My thoughts on his situation:

On Defence

Jake Bean, D, Hurricanes

If you have followed me through the Journey, or on Twitter, you’ll know that it pains me to even mention Jake Bean on a bubble list. And yet, here we are. Despite him lighting up the minor leagues with 69 points in 129 games (as a defender), the Hurricanes have stocked their shelves on the backend and are finding it difficult slotting him in. Unless a move is made, it's looking like we could endure another season of that reality. 

On the other hand, If he manages to sneak his way onto the starting six-man rotation, he could prove to be a surprise "top rookie defender" candidate. He is a strong two-way player, with definite offensive implications. I personally have high hopes for Bean and would love to see him on the move to a club to be properly utilized and finally to reach his top-four form. 

My thoughts on his situation:

Conor Timmins, D, Avalanche

On any other club, Connor Timmins falls far from the "bubble" line. Unfortunately, he is on the Avs and has been pushed down the totem pole, thanks to a string of highly capable defenders. With the surge of Cale Makar, and a high chance of Bowen Byram making his way onto the lineup immediately, his spot as a young defender may be in jeopardy. Sprinkle in the additions of Devon Toews and of course Samuel Girard, and we could be looking at a few seasons until owners see fantasy production.

My thoughts on his situation:

Josh Mahura, D, Ducks

If it weren’t for newly drafted, Jamie Drysdale, Mahura stands as the Ducks' best up-and-coming defenders. He has the makings of a prominent player – he can skate, he can make smart outlet passes, he can shoot, and finally, he can run a power play.

Unfortunately, he plays for the Ducks, who aren’t held with high regard at the moment. With that in mind, combined with Drysdale on right his tailpipe, he falls right on that bubble line.

My thoughts on his current situation:

I bring you, your Bubble Prospect All-Star Team

First-line	Eeli Tolvanen	Lias Andersson	Henrik Borgstrom
Second-Line	Max Comtois	Michael Rasmussen	Aleksi Saarela

Extra Forward

Tyler Benson

Defense

Jake Bean

Conor Timmins

Josh Mahura

Of course, there are many more who sit very close to this bubble line. Let me know through Twitter @hall1289 who you have on your bubble. Have a great week.