Welcome back to The Journey. As promised from last week, I will be offering updated rankings for each position. If you missed it, I covered the goalies in last week's installment and will be moving towards defenders this week. 

I will be honest, the Prospect Defenders Rankings has not seen much movement, which comes as no surprise, as there has been little hockey played. With that in mind, I thought I would change it up, and dive right into Dobber's latest rankings – Top 120 Keeper League Defenders. This list is full of valuable defender picks, and many prospects have etched their way onto the list this month.  Each of the names mentioned have made the list of 120, yet, not all have fallen under specific ranking numbers. You can consider those prospects similar in value.

Adam Boqvist, RD, Blackhawks (Current Rank – 49)

Boqvist was given the highest ranking among prospect defenders in the 2020-21 keepers list, and rightfully so. He posted 13 points throughout his 41-game rookie campaign, with a good percentage of those coming in the final half of the season. Once he found his stride, he was inevitably upgraded to heavier minutes, while he also quarterbacked the club's top power-play unit. 

He is a shoo-in to be a minute cruncher next season, and will likely man the club's PP1, yet again. Despite the club's likelihood of struggles, Boqvist is a strong suitor if you are looking for a young, well-utilized player who provides a tremendous long-term outlook.

Evan Bouchard, RD, Oilers (Current Rank – 51)

Right behind Boqvist is Bouchard, who looks more than ready to take on a new role within the club’s six-man rotation, and in my opinion, likely among their top four. The former London Knight captain had a strong showing in the minors last year, where he sat 10th in points among defenders and of course, led rookie defenders with 139 shots on goal. Of course, his game does come with its flaws, and there is still much to work to be done as he has been known to take games off. However, given his offensive pedigree, his playing style should translate to the NHL well.

While the addition of Tyson Barrie certainly hinders his overall utilization, the injury to Oscar Klefbom should benefit Bouchard towards enjoying heavier minutes, with emphasis on him being placed in point producing roles. If Barrie were to fall to injury, or fails to find chemistry working on the club's powerplay unit, there could be potential for the young rearguard to squeeze his way into some time. Not likely, but very possible. If it is not this season, his long-term outlook is solid, and given the club's forces upfront, the offensive potential could be substantial. 

Bowen Byram, LD, Avalanche (Current Rank – 64)

Cale Makar is king in Denver, but Byram is a very close second to his throne. The Vancouver Giant (WHL) looks poised to etch his name on the opening day roster and should provide fantasy owners decent rookie utilization. His role is somewhat hard to place at the moment, as the addition of Devon Toews throws a minor wrench in his ability to walk on the club. However, given the face value, there is a strong chance that he beats out players such as Ryan Graves, despite his strong two-way game. 

Regardless, there will be healthy competition, and Bowen Byram has all the tools to earn his keep. I would not be shocked to see him manning PP2 by midseason.

"The next group are pretty equal"

Alexander Romanov, LD, Canadiens

The Russian defender will likely get an opportunity to showcase himself in the immediate future, and could do so in a top-four role. His offensive capacity is somewhat limited, but certainly not dormant. He shows flashes of offensive potential, and while I would not count on him as a high-end threat, there is room to be a mid-ranged producer. Believe me, you are not drafting him for his points. Owners will be blessed with a nice mix of multi-cat categories, with points serving as the icing.

Ty Smith, LD, Devils

I wouldn’t bank on instant utilization, but Smith has the potential to become a true difference-maker for the up-and-coming New Jersey Devils in the very near future. He is a crafty two-way defender, with a tremendous offensive track record (235 points in 240 WHL games), and will likely take over as the club's number-one powerplay distributor in a short time. 

Perhaps he progresses quicker than anticipated, but if you are drafting him, be prepared to sit patiently while he cooks somewhere on their bottom-two pairs. He is a fun player to root for, that is for sure.

Erik Brannstrom, LD, Senators

Fantasy owners should finally see their first full season of production from the 21-year-old Swede. He should be given the green light to inject within the club's top-four, while also manning their second unit on the man-advantage. 

The Senators are young, exciting, and poised to play the type of game which should compliment Brannstrom's high octane, offensive style. Given where the team is at, who knows if the high volume point totals arrive immediately, but it is certainly looking strong for the future. Ottawa Senators prospects are one of your best investments right now. 

Pierre-Olivier Joseph, LD, Penguins

When we think of Pittsburgh, we do not necessarily think of prospects. Well, that is because they do not have many, and usually boast too many veterans to allow for open spots for them to slide into. This will likely be the case again this year, meaning Joseph will be on the outside looking in. However, when the time is right, he will surely be the next in line to be offered a job. 

He is a smart defender, who will provide a little bit of everything while managing to put up decent numbers, no matter what level of play. 

Juuso Valimaki, LD, Flames

Valimaki has recently created a name for himself while playing overseas in the Liiga (Ilves). While he has always been considered a top-end prospect, his dominance as this year’s top producing defender has only confirmed his previous expectations, and then some. 

It is highly likely that he slots into the lineup come opening day, and could see a significant role as the year drags on. This includes top-four minutes and the potential to carry the club's PP2.

Alexander Alexeyev, LD, Capitals

Alexeyev seems close, but will likely fall just short of immediate NHL deployment. He is a large, mobile, offensive defender who had a strong rookie campaign with the Hershey Bears last year, with 21 points. While he may find a shot through injury, I would check back next year for immediate impact.

Scott Perunovich, LD, Blues

Coming in as one of last year's Hobey Baker finalists, Perunovich will turn pro this season, and has a real chance of earning a spot in St. Louis out the gate. He is an offensive threat, who could provide the team with deep production instantly. His role may be sheltered at first, but do not sleep on his ability to become a top-two defender over the next few seasons. He’s one of the more under-the-radar, but highly skilled players coming into the mix.

Kale Clague, LD, Kings

Clague will contest for a spot on the big club this season, after skating as one of the more consistent defenders in the organization's farm team in Ontario (California). He will have to battle a few other young names on the left side but could insert virtually anywhere in the line-up. He’s got the gusto to do it all.

He is a smooth-skating, offensively gifted defender, who has fired at a .53 clip at the AHL level. If not out of camp, it would be shocking not to see him in an LA uniform at some point throughout the year. In regards to prospects, he is certainly one of the better "mid-ranged" names to take a flyer on. 

Ian Mitchell, RD, Blackhawks

Boqvist caps his ability to provide top-level production, being a fellow right-handed shot. However, Ian Mitchell will be given a solid opportunity to make the team right out of his NCAA career. While the original plan was for him to test the waters during the final stretch of the 2-19-20 campaign, COVID had other plans, and will now head into camp with no experience under his belt. 

The Blackhawks are only getting younger, and the opportunity to secure significant minutes out the gate is a real possibility. He is an all-around talent, who loves to rack up the shots-on-goal category.

Rasmus Sandin, LD, Maple Leafs

It will be interesting to see who slots in for the Maple Leafs, thanks to the additions of Lehtonen, Bogosian, and T.J. Brodie. Sandin holds all the necessary tools to become a sturdy multi-cat producer, but for now, his roles will likely be limited, barring any unforeseen circumstances. He is still worth the pickup, as he should fulfill his top-four upside with ease down the line.

"Prospects with varying degrees of upside and wait time, other defensemen with lower upside and expectations but can chip in at times"

Mikko Lehtonen, RD, Maple Leafs

Signed as a 26-year-old free-agent, Lehtonen will join the club and will likely be given an immediate role on the club's backend. During his career overseas, he has proven to be an offensive beast, posting league-leading numbers throughout various leagues. Given his strong offensive nature, with the addition of him being right-handed, Lehtonen is likely to sit on the club's secondary powerplay unit and may surprise many with his point production. 

Of course, with no North American experience, you are definitely taking a risk assuming that he’s able to translate all of that to the small surface. High risk, high reward.

Noah Dobson, RD, Islanders

Moving on from a player such as Devon Toews should be a clear indicator of just how bullish the Islanders are with regards to their future top-pairing defender. Given his utilization last season, where he suited in 34 matches, Dobson should be a shoo-in for NHL duties. 

With Nick Leddy and Ryan Pulock both still relevant, it may not be top-line minutes; however, the reality of becoming the club’s future "go-to" is very real. He provides owners with tremendous value – both offensively and in the peripheral department. 

Timothy Liljegren, RD, Maple Leafs

Much like Sandin, Liljegren will have issues staying relevant on this (now) deep Maple Leafs backend. He is a tremendous producer at the AHL level but falls just short in regards to his spot on the depth chart. Given the current make-up, his long-term upside looks to be quite capped.

Jake Bean, LD, Hurricanes

He certainly carries the offensive skill, but lacks overall opportunity. He will likely provide "bubble" duties for the 2020-21 campaign unless he blows camp out of the water.

He led the AHL in points by a defender last season with 48 and has fired at an overall .71 clip during his two-year AHL stint. There is immense potential for him to become a strong driver from the backend on a team that will give him the chance.

Sami Niku, LD, Jets

His spot is not guaranteed, but he carries a strong shot at suiting up for the Jets on a full-time basis this season. He’s shown a proven history of producing at the AHL level, so the offensive potential is there, it’s whether he can translate that.

Josh Mahura, LD, Ducks

Will likely serve NHL duties for the Ducks and will provide owners with multi-category value. There is also a potential for him to run the team's secondary power-play unit.

Conor Timmins, RD, Avalanche

Much like Byram, if he were on any team, his value would likely be much higher. Unfortunately, he plays within a deep Avalanche organization, which could hinder his overall fantasy value. 

Victor Soderstrom, RD, Kyle Capobianco, LD, Coyotes

While they play on opposite wings, Soderstrom being the right-handed defender, the duo will be fighting for a spot on the main club this season. If you are looking for more offense, I would suggest Capobianco. Multiple categories? Veer towards Soderstrom, as he likely carries higher overall value, and is a very solid two-way defender. Take your pick, you cannot go wrong. 

Ryan Merkley, RD, Sharks

He is highly skilled, highly controversial, and carries a crazy overall upside. Merkley will make his pro debut this year, and will likely begin his career in the AHL. Given the club's depth, there is a high chance that he finds his way into the NHL at some point throughout the year, in which case, he could bring offensive value. Although given the two-headed monster in Erik Karlsson and Brent Burns, do not count on any time on the special teams, those are clearly spoken for. 

K'Andre Miller, LD, Rangers

It is very likely that Miller spends most of his year down in the minors, however, the University of Wisconsin sophomore brings a very intriguing amount of question marks. He is a forward turned defender, and could end up being a high-end player down the road. Take it all with a grain of salt at the moment, he is very raw and we will have to let him work out the kinks before we can really pinpoint his upside.

Regardless, he has the size, can skate very well, and has a solid shot from the point. The Rangers are strong on the backend, so his impact may be limited in the short term. 

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Thanks for tuning in for another week. As always, follow me on Twitter @hall1289 and let me know if there are any topics or players you were hoping to get a better look at.