For this iteration of the Ramblings, I'm going to do something different. Instead of talking about a million little things, I'm going to talk about one thing: The World Junior Championships. 

As the NHL season appears to be inching closer to commencing (hopefully on January 13th), the top U20 event in the world will be a perfect appetizer. An amuse-bouche fit for a starved hockey community. 

And on Christmas Day to boot. 

The event is always home to future NHL stars and potential fantasy studs. This year will be no different. Sure, it could have had Alexis Lafreniere, Jack Hughes, Kaapo Kakko, and Nicholas Robertson. But even though those four fellas will keep their sights squarely on the NHL season, the talent left behind should not be discounted. 

Let's check in on a few of the top cats from the fun teams, what is expected of them, and how long we have to wait to cash in on their fantasy value.

Kirby Dach, C – Canada

Dach is my pick for Forward of the Tournament. He's the Canadian's top-line pivot and will be used in every offensive situation imaginable. He’s massive. He’s skilled. He has an NHL season under his belt.  The Canadians are on the soft side of the bracket so expect some big-time stat-padding early. The team will look to Dach to drive the bus when the competition increases in the medal rounds. 

The Wait Time: I dunno, four weeks or something? I think Dach is heading back to Chicago ready to take another step. The 6'4 forward already showcased that potential with six points in nine playoff games last summer. He did so while playing nearly 70 percent of hist 5v5 shifts next to Patty Kane. If the Hawks keep that running, Dach's production will be running up as well. 

Long term, Dach has the potential to be a unique, massive, play-driving pivot with point-per-game upside. Nothing wrong with that. 

Vasily Podkolzin, RW – Russia

If Dach has the goods to be the top offensive forward in the event, Podkolzin has the ability to be the most decisive two-way threat. The 19-year-old will captain the Russians and will play every minute of every game. Okay, maybe that's an exaggeration. But after seeing limited deployment with SKA St Petersburg of the KHL the last two seasons, it may feel that way.

The Canucks' 2019 first-round pick lives in high-traffic areas. He mixes all of the energy in a skillful, willful package. He will be physically dominant against his peer group and should be able to manhandle his way into the paint whenever he chooses. It's his third go-around at the event and many are expecting a double-digit point total this time around. 

The Wait Time: The Russian is coming. At the conclusion of his KHL deal in April (and assuming there are no World Championships this year), Podkolzin will be suiting up in the Canucks lineup as they play stretch-drive hockey. 

His offensive ceiling won't be that of a bell ringer, but he should be a serious asset in multicat leagues. 

Trevor Zegras, C – USA

The Americans boast a ridiculous bevy of forward talent this year. So good that it rivals even Canada – something we seldom see. They will be led by top centre and Ducks' top prospect, Trevor Zegras. 

Zegras was incredible at last year's tournament, leading the event with nine helpers through just five games. That was before the Americans were upset in the Quarters by an upstart Finnish club. This year, Zegras and the gang are poised for a much deeper run. 

Expect some more gaudy point totals as the pass-first pivot will have his choice of elite triggermen to work with. 

The Wait Time: Zegras turned pro last summer after just a single season at Boston University. He'll give the Ducks roster a run at camp after this tournament. He's quite clearly talented enough to crack a soft Anaheim roster, but perhaps a spin in the AHL (if it happens) will be more beneficial long term.

This guy has Nicklas Backstrom-like assist potential. He just needs his Alex Ovechkin-lite partner. I say 'lite' because there is but on Ovi. 

Brad Lambert, C – Finland

I bet yall thought I was going to say, Anton Lundell, eh? Well, I could've because he's going to be everything for the Finns. His time in Florida is rapidly approaching. But I wanted to spend some time on the 16-year-old instead.

Lambert, with his classic Finnish name, is going to provide his first act on the major international stage at this event. The 2022-eligible centre is on pace for one of the most productive draft-minus one seasons in Liiga history.

On a Finnish squad that is soft on offensive talent, we can only hope the coaches let the youngster run free up the lineup. If they do, he’ll dazzle. If they don’t, he’ll still find a way to stand out. That’s what the good ones do. 

The Wait Time: Whenever the 2022-23 season kicks off. This kid is serious. 

Lucas Raymond, W – Sweden

I thought about doing a Wonder Twins special here and profile Brooklyn 99's Raymond (&) Holtz, but I feel this is Raymond's time to shine.

Despite landing fourth overall to the Wings back in October, the world has somehow seemingly lost sight of how talented the 18-year-old is. Raymond is an explosive winger who can drive play, set up mates with creativity and finesse or finish off chances himself. He always finds a way to dominate against his age-group and this event should be no different. 

The Wait Time: Expect Raymond to land in Detroit ahead of the 2021-22 season. But don’t bet on the big totals right off of the bat. He may have a little Elias Pettersson in him, but he’s not quite there.

Marco Rossi, C – Austria

Okay, Austria may not be one of the fun teams, but Rossi sure as shit is one of the fun players at the event. The 19-year-old Wild first-rounder is going to be everything for his country. He'll be game-planned against fully and completely. Yet, I still predict we see some magic in his mitts.

Overall, it'll likely be a frustrating tournament for Rossi as he won't have the support needed to thrive. But it will be fun to watch him against his peer group for a final time before setting off for Minnesota.

The Wait Time: January 13th. Rossi is in the unique position to walk out of the OHL and onto an NHL top line. That's not a lock at this point, but it's certainly an option. Lining up next to Kevin Fiala and Kirill Kaprizov is happening either now or later. And when it does, oh boy! Will it be juicy.

Tim Stüzle, C – Germany

Yeah, I kept the umlaut. So what? The most recent third-overall selection will return to action at the WJC after needing arm surgery in October. He'll likely be rusty and won't have the firepower that Ze Germans had a year ago when they stole the heart of many at the tournament. However, we will see his patented speed and skill on display.

The Wait Time: It'll be a good tune-up for him as he's been chiselled onto the Senators' lineup card for the start of the truncated 2020-21 season. I'm a bit lower on Stützle's pure point potential than many, but he'll be given every juicy opportunity possible in Ottawa. I see a Nikolaj Ehlers-like player – only one who sees L1 and PP1.

**

Okay, we can talk about one other thing. 

This is an exciting turn of events in Minny. I was already going to be sneaky high on Kaapo Kahkonen this season. There's a real opportunity brewing for the 24-year-old. As let's face it a Cam Talbot/Alex Stalock tandem doesn't exactly scream Jennings Trophy. 

Kahkonen has been marinating for, well, ever. He's proven himself at the Finnish Liiga level. He's proven himself at the AHL level. He's ready to push for an NHL job and this may be the opening he needs. This is one of those situations where the third-string AHL goalie could conceivably steal the number one job and run with it, never looking back. We've seen it before. Igor Shesterkin anyone?

It's far from a lock, but I'd be sniffing around Kahkonen on the wire or late in drafts.

**

Speaking of potential thieving netminders, Jake Oettinger could do the same this year. Ben Bishop is on the shelf until April. He's 34 years old and will be a rusty hinge. Anton Khodobin will be the man, but he's no spring chicken either, he'll need time off.

Enter Oettinger.

The former first-round pick was very good last season on a floundering Texas Stars' squad. He has the size, the pedigree, the metrics. He's a potential thief.

**

@Hockey_Robinson