Welcome back. Over the past couple of weeks, I have focused on Dobber's rankings lists, as I know fantasy draft season is well upon us. So far, I have covered goalies and defenders. If you missed them, make sure to check them out here:

• Goaltenders
• Defencemen

This week, I will be covering the forward group. I received solid feedback from many of you regarding my approach from last week, which was to go off of Dobber's latest Keepers list. With that in mind, combined with the little movement in the Top 200 Prospect Rankings, I will again be going off of the updated "Keepers" list.

Over the next two weeks, I will scour through the entire list of 300 and pull out each prospect to give a brief breakdown and where they fall on the list. 

Here we go.

Alexis Lafreniere, LW, Rangers (Keeper Rank: 20)

No surprises here, recently drafted Alexis Lafreniere took home the top spot on the list and by a significant gap. The Quebec native is coming off an explosive junior career, where he amassed 297 points and took home the league’s MVP two years straight, as well as the CHL rookie of the year prior to those.

The Rangers have not lent him to Team Canada for this year’s WJC, and you can assume that is due to him being a shoo-in to see time with the club immediately. Given his pedigree, he is likely to catch looks alongside some highly touted names such as Mika Zibanejad and even Artemi Panarin on the powerplay…this could be fun.

Kirill Kaprizov, LW, Wild (Keeper Rank: 70)

Coming in at second, once again by a large gap, we have the highly anticipated Russian superstar. I use the word superstar, as his play in the KHL over the previous five years has been nothing short of godly. Kaprizov, 23, has been playing in the KHL since he was 18 years old and has racked up an incredible 230 points, making him the league’s all-time U23 producer – 47 points above Artemi Panarin, who sits second.

He joins a historically offensively capped Minnesota team and should instantly provide the club with an injection of excitement. I personally reached to draft him in my inaugural Dynasty league this week, and have absolutely no regrets. Of course, as is the case with all prospects, no one knows if his game will translate at the rate that we saw from Panarin five years ago (77 point rookie season). However, if there is anyone to potentially replicate that, he is it. 

If you have been under a rock and have yet to check out his highlight package, enjoy.

Marco Rossi, C, Wild (Keeper Rank: 122)

It is not often that we see two highly touted Minnesota Wild options in the top three. Yet, here we are. Recently hired GM Bill Guerin was gifted the undersized, but highly skilled Austrian at the 2020 draft. I have harped on this from the get-go, but I am extremely bullish on Rossi, and certainly feel that each member of the staff should have bought lottery tickets that night. Having a player of his caliber fall into their laps at ninth overall is a tremendous victory.

Believe it or not, Rossi stands a chance to jump into the league right out of camp and make an immediate impact – perhaps even alongside Kirill Kaprizov. After 120 points through 56 games in the OHL last season, he has surely squeezed out every bit he can from the junior ranks. Combine that with the Wild's weak depth up the middle, and him earning a spot doesn’t seem so crazy.

If you missed on the Russian phenom in your drafts, selecting Rossi right behind is a fine consolation prize. I fully endorse his spot on the list. 

Quinton Byfield, C, Kings (Keeper Rank: 160)

If you want a high-end piece of the Los Angeles pie, Byfield is a safe bet. He is just two months removed from being selected second overall and has already become a household name among the organization. Byfield carries many characteristics that keep him in the conversation for NHL deployment this year. However, given the status of the club and their vast crop of rookie potentials, the Kings do have some wiggle room to allow him to develop. 

He will play for Team Canada in just a few week's time, in which case, we should get to see just how dominant he can be. Given his age, the 6-4 pivot has been sheltered on the team in previous years, hindering fans’ opportunity to get a glimpse of his true upside. A beast could certainly be unleashed over the holidays. 

Trevor Zegras, C, Ducks (Keeper Rank: 174)

Another one of my personal favorites, and another rookie that I reached for in my recent dynasty draft. Zegras is a highly skilled player with tremendous skating, puck handling abilities, and game-breaking vision. His NHL status on the year is up in the air, as he is coming straight out of the NCAA after just a single freshman season. A developmental year is certainly a possibility.

Regardless of where he falls, expect to see plays like these on a regular basis. His vision is phenomenal.

What. A. Pass.@AnaheimDucks first round pick Trevor Zegras picks up his 4th assist of the game to help put USA back on top.#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/L8OT0z7v2P

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 27, 2019

If you ask me, and I have been pretty adamant on this, if he fails to make the club out of camp, I fully expect that he sees time by midseason. He is too crafty and offensively talented to be denied an opportunity at some point – especially on a bottom-dwelling offensive team.

Dylan Cozens, C, Sabres (Keeper Rank: 177)

Could he enter the league and see top-six minutes early in the season? It is certainly a possibility – unlikely – but possible. Regardless, he’s likely to see playing time among their top-nine and probably catch some time on the club's second powerplay unit. With the additions of Eric Staal and Cody Eakin, I envision that the club will test him on the wing. This would allow for more movement up and down the lineup.

He is a mature player for a 19-year-old and looks more than ready to move up immediately. Don't take my word for it, though. Catch him over the holidays playing significant minutes for Team Canada at this year’s WJC.

Drake Batherson, LW, Senators (Keeper Rank: 188)

Batherson will be given every opportunity to succeed this season. Whatever that is worth on a low-end, likely bottom-dwelling Senators club. He has been a solid producer for the baby Sens for two years now and when called upon at the top level, has been able to hold his own, despite the club's inefficient offense. He is likely to see middle-six deployment out the gate but could squeeze his way onto the top line, pending solid play. He should also see a heavy role on the club's special teams. 

His immediate production may be hindered, solely based on his surrounding cast. However, as I said last week, Senators' prospects are a solid long-term investment and he certainly brings good upside down the road. 

Tim Stuetzle, C/LW , Senators (Keeper Rank: 192)

Stuetzle hit a roadblock immediately following his third-overall selection. He broke his hand just days after the draft and has failed to suit up for a match since. However, rumors have it that he will be ready for the WJC in two weeks, and is expected to join the Senators following the tournament to report for training camp. 

If that is true, he stands as high of a chance as anyone to crack a spot on the young roster sheet. If you are a part of an established dynasty league, and strictly drafting prospects at the moment, I would certainly put Stuetzle even higher than 192. No questions asked. 

Cole Perfetti, C, Jets (Keeper Rank: 214)

Perfetti steps into the Jets organization as the club's top prospect and will be relied upon heavily down the road to help out in the offensive department. He a tremendous goal-scorer, but has shown that he be a set-up man, if need be. He will likely need at least another year of work at the junior level, meaning there is little immediate upside for fantasy owners. 

He has officially cracked Canada's WJC team for the first time in his junior career and should play a significant role among scoring roles.

Lucas Raymond, RW, Red Wings (Keeper Rank: 215)

Detroit's most recent fourth-overall stud is expected to remain in the SHL for the remainder of the 2020-21 season. This means fantasy owners likely will not benefit from his offerings just yet. However, he is a tremendous talent, who will instantly slot in as a prolific winger on the club's top-six as soon as he is deemed ready to jump into the league.

He brings a little bit of everything and can perform everything at a high level. He thinks the game well, he has terrific vision and his shot is certainly nothing to sleep on. The prospect of Raymond feeding sharpshooter Filip Zadina is something that should have Red Wings fans/fantasy owners very excited. 

Look for him as one of Team Sweden’s top players at this year’s WJC.

Alexander Holtz, RW, Devils (Keeper Rank: 221)

He is an undeniable shooting talent, and should score goals with ease at any level he is thrown into. There will be little short term gains with Holtz as he likely won’t see time until 2021, at the earliest. However, if you enjoy goals, power-play points, and shots on goal, Holtz is the guy for you. He’s going to be special.

You can watch his deadly shot at the WJC, where he is slated to run Team Sweden’s top scoring lines. 

Morgan Frost, C, Flyers (Keeper Rank: 223)

The 2020-21 campaign could be big for Flyers' 2017 first-rounder. He saw his first stint at the NHL level last season after just 41 games at the AHL level, where he posted 29 points. He was instantly given a strong role, where he played 46.2% of his minutes alongside Claude Giroux and Travis Konecny. He was held to just seven points throughout his 20 games, but it’s a good indication of where his expected role could be.

Frost has every chance to be one of the top leaders among rookie scorers next year. 

Josh Norris, C, Senators (Keeper Rank: 224)

Here, we have yet another solid Senator prospect. Josh Norris should be handed the reins this year and jump up to the big leagues on a permanent basis, likely occupying one of the club’s middle-six center slots. The soon to be second-year pro brings a little bit of everything and should grow into a very solid two-way, second-line pivot at the NHL level. 

His 61 points, which led all AHL rookies, proved that he can produce at the pro level. Yet, if you are drafting him, I would be looking towards the long-term benefits over the short. 

Joel Farabee, LW, Flyers (Keeper Rank: 230)

Farabee and Frost will climb the ladder as a pair and both will bring tons of value to the team. If you are looking for heavier point totals, I would certainly target Frost, but that does not take away from Farabee's ability to tally points himself. He is a terrific two-way player, who should be a nice compliment to the club’s future trajectory.

Despite playing more games than Frost (51 in total), Farabee was not gifted the same top-six minutes and spent most of his time on the team’s third line. He did, however, see stints on the club's top power play, which could carry into next season. I expect a slight incline to his 21 points last season. 

Barrett Hayton, C, Coyotes (Keeper Rank: 236)

If you were an owner last year, you are likely a little discouraged. It was an awkward year for the former fifth-overall pick. When he was in the lineup, he saw little playing time and the rest of his year was spent either in the press box as a healthy scratch or out with injury. 

On the positive side, he was a catalyst for Team Canada (WJC 2020), scoring the gold medal game’s tying goal, despite a nasty shoulder separation. He is currently overseas suiting up for Ilves (Liiga) where he has four assists through eight games. The hope is that he is handed heavier tasks this season to allow for him to find a better rhythm. 

Seth Jarvis, RW, Hurricanes (Keeper Rank: 239)

He is speedy, edgy, and has a knack for scoring off the rush – Jarvis does not disappoint in the entertainment department. However, he’s likely a few seasons away from making an NHL splash, so he should be considered a long-term investment for now. However, he is without a doubt one of my favorite prospects to watch at the moment.

He was invited to Team Canada's WJC camp but fell just short of making the final cut. Expect him to play a role in next year’s installment. 

Connor McMichael, C, Capitals (Keeper Rank: 241)

McMichael made a mockery of the OHL last season, firing 102 points in just 52 games with the London Knights. At the very least, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him get a nine-game look with the Capitals, assuming that this rule is still intact with the shortened season. 

He may not see any daylight on the top-six, but his offensive strengths could add some firepower to their secondary powerplay. Which, I suppose doesn’t say much, considering their top unit takes up 70% of those minutes. Being one of the club’s top prospects, he will be looked at heavily to take over the offensive drive as the team begins to age out. 

Cole Caufield, LW, Canadiens (Keeper Rank: 242)

Caulfield is having a heyday in the NCAA, where he leads all skaters with 12 points (6G + 6A). If possible, his shot looks to have gotten even deadlier over the summer. Unfortunately, he has committed to his collegiate team (Wisconsin) for the year, which means that there will be no immediate upside up for grabs. Not to worry, he is a tremendous sharpshooter and despite his 5-7 stature, holds high upside for the future.

BREAKING: Cole Caufield has a nice shot

pic.twitter.com/qIeP1Lw6dx

— /Cam Robinson/ (@Hockey_Robinson) December 4, 2020

You can enjoy him over the holidays as he is set to play a highly offensive role with Team USA at the WJCs.

Gabriel Vilardi, C, Kings (Keeper Rank: 244)

It's hard to believe that Vilardi missed nearly an entire season due to injury, as he looked no worse for wear once he returned to the (AHL) lineup in November last season. He put up an extremely solid 25 points over 32 games with the Ontario Reign before a call-up to the bigs, where he tallied three goals and seven points through 10 for the Kings. 

He should find himself in the lineup come opening day, and likely holds the highest (immediate) upside among the club’s crop of young talent. That is until all of their young prospects have developed, where Vilardi will fall slightly down the totem pole.

Nicholas Robertson, LW, Maple Leafs (Keeper Rank: 246)

We all saw it during the playoffs – Robertson is the real deal. Following a 55-goal campaign with the Peterborough Petes, the California native injected himself into the club's lineup in the early stages of the playoff bubble. 

Yes, he scored a goal – which is his bread and butter – but more importantly, he looked comfortable on the ice, despite it being his first looks at the pro level. He was all over the ice during his four games – putting pressure on puck carriers, providing energy for his line, and creating opportunity. 

There will surely be hiccups along the way and he may be capped to the club's bottom six for now, however, he looks like a strong candidate to be a performer in the NHL immediately. He will not attend this year’s WJC as he is gunning for a spot out of camp in Toronto.

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Thank you for reading! Follow me on Twitter @hall1289 for prospect news.