Welcome back to The Journey. 

Do you find yourself stumped mid-week trying to decide who to pick up for your weekend fantasy stretch? Do you struggle with which prospect you should keep over the other? Can't decide who to start in between the pipes? If so, have you tried visiting the Dobber Sports Forum? 

If you are unfamiliar with the forum, it is a great tool to chat with other GMs around the globe regarding all of the above-mentioned and more. What's so fantastic about the forum? Well, for me, aside from the fact that you can talk about anything fantasy hockey-related, there is also a very quick turnaround with responses – you are almost guaranteed, and prompt reply.

With this in mind, I thought I would change my tune a bit for this week’s installment. I decided to scour through a few of your recently asked questions. Of course, I chose those which revolved around prospects. By doing this, I not only get to answer the questions asked but cover a variety of prospects at the same time.

As always, please feel free to catch me on Twitter @hall1289 and fire off any prospect-related questions my way.

Question: Heinola or Romanov? Points only. Who do you got next year and long term?

My thoughts:

I mentioned this a few times last year, but I had a hunch that Alexander Romanov would surprise a few folks with his offensive capabilities. Obviously, he is commonly known for his terrific defensive/shutdown qualities – and for good reason. However, as we have seen on occasion throughout this season, there is potential to put up mid-ranged numbers. If this were a question of who I like overall, rather than points-only, I certainly put my trust in the Russian-born. 

However, based on merit, I would drift towards Heinola in a points format. The puck-moving defender has proven his worth overseas, posting solid numbers, while carrying special teams roles to boot. He does not hold a large quantity of experience within the North American circuit but posted a very respectable five points through eight matches during his quick stint with the Jets during the 2019-20 campaign. 

Verdict: Ville Heinola

Question: I need Assists, PPP and +/-. Do I roster Kaprizov tonight in Colorado or Lafreniere in Philly?

My thoughts:

I understand that this question has now passed, and this will not help the GM with his/her decision. However, when in doubt, the answer in this scenario should always be Kaprizov with a bullet. 

Now, don't get it twisted, I am not on the "Lafreniere is a bust" train and never will be – remember, he is 19 and will almost undoubtedly figure things out. However, statistically speaking, he is certainly worth fading at the moment. Three points, a minus-seven rating, and an IPP of 50.0% is just not enough to warrant a spot right now (in shallower leagues).

On the other side, Kaprizov has entered the league fully loaded and is making a statement on an otherwise limited offensive roster. He has posted a minus rating just four times this season and currently sits at a responsible plus-seven on the year. On average, he is playing just shy of two minutes more on the man-advantage than Lafreniere, and well, I don't think I need to mention his capability to find teammates.

Verdict: Kirill Kaprizov

Question: Who’s the better own ROS in a points-only league? I have Ferraro and Bear (on bench) but wondering if Bean is worth a pick-up!?

My thoughts:

If you've followed me in the past, you know that I am bullish on Jake Bean and was desperate for him to see his day at the NHL level. Well, I am currently basking in my victory tour. Not only was he finally been handed an opportunity, but he has fully run with it. He has five helpers in his previous eight games and is doing so only having skated more than 15-plus minutes on one occasion. He has even enjoyed time on the club's secondary powerplay unit as of late Things are certainly heating up. 

Given their current top-four, it's not going to be easy for Bean to solidify a permanent role with significant minutes. But at the moment, it's certainly worth the gamble on the fact that he could. 

Of course, despite the Sharks' struggles, Mario Ferraro is also worth keeping around. He is currently patrolling the club's top pairing at even strength and secondary power-play unit. It has not equated to anything significant lately, but the opportunity is certainly there. 

Verdict: Jake Bean, Mario Ferraro, Ethan Bear

Question: Interested in what the wait time for the following defenseman is going to be.. primarily in a points only league. How would you rank these guys based on Fantasy Value/Expected Arrival?

Rasmus Sandin

Erik Brannstrom

Scott Perunovich

Jake Bean

Ville Heinola

Mario Ferraro

My thoughts:

I think this is a fair question and certainly, one that is going to provide a plethora of opinions. There is an argument each player and all pose their own threats, which primarily stems from team depth.

Expected Arrival

This Season:

1. Mario Ferraro – As mentioned above, Mario Ferraro is currently occupying some large roles on the Sharks, and I just do not foresee him relinquishing any of those any time soon – especially with Erik Karlsson week-to-week.

2. Erik Brannstrom – For some odd reason, I have seen people suddenly counting the Swedish defender out? I understand that he didn’t start the year with the club and that there have been accusations that Head Coach DJ Smith isn’t a fan of his game (he loves his scrappers). Oh well, he is in now and he is glorious. He has goals in back-to-back and points in three. In my opinion, we can consider him a full-time Senator.

Next year

1. Jake Bean – Remember, I am a full-fledged Bean believer, and sit comfortably in his corner. However, with their top-four, perhaps even top-five spoken four, I have a hard time believing that they stick with Bean as a permanent member. It will be a battle between himself, Jake Gardiner, and Haydn Fleury for that final spot for much of the year, and I just cannot guarantee who wins each night.  

2. Rasmus Sandin – With a few pending free-agents in Zach Bogosian, Martin Marincin, Mikko Lehtonen, and Travis Dermott (RFA), I have to believe that Rasmus Sandin, their clear top defender prospect, should contest for a role. Will that be on a permanent/full-time basis? Your guess is as good as mine. However, as a "can do all" defender, I’m not too concerned if I’m a fantasy owner.

3. Ville Heinola – With a few pending FA's coming up this summer of their own, I suspect Heinola will be handed an opportunity to make his mark on the backend next year. 

4. Scott Perunovich – Currently stewing in the club's taxi squad, we are all awaiting his debut. While I think he has a definite shot at snagging a role as early as next season, we will get a far better look once he plays some games at the pro level. It still does not sit well with me that teams have prospects eating hot dogs in the press box. Send them down.

Fantasy Value

A few of these are tough and razor-thin with regards to their position I would rank them. Ultimately, team placement and roster utilization will play a major role in my decision. Keep in mind, this points league only.

Erik Brannstrom – If you are one of the above-mentioned GMs who are fading him, that’s fine. But for me, I still envision an offensive first thinker and highly skilled defender who is certain to catch top-pairing minutes and powerplay utilization. The Senators are on the come up and Brannstrom is very much a part of that movement. With points in mind, the 5-10 point driven rearguard takes my vote at the top of this list. 

Ville Heinola – Much like Brannstrom, points formats are what Ville Heinola is built for. He may not be the fastest player on the sheet, but he’s a gifted skater with a thirst for offensive production. He has already proven that he can compete in the NHL, and with a full year of North American hockey under his belt, he should gain valuable experience and confidence to carry forward. 

Rasmus Sandin – Sandin is the full package and will give you a pinch of everything if that's something you are interested in. However, he has also shown that he can produce points, not only among the junior ranks but in a professional setting as well. If the question was geared towards who becomes the "best defender as a whole", I think I have found my winner.

Jake Bean – This is going to come down to utilization. If Carolina grants him higher minutes, perfect. However, their defensive is quite spoken for and if that's not going to be the case, I certainly hope that they deal him to an organization that can and will utilize him a way that's appropriate. If used correctly, there is definite offensive potential, which I have already mentioned above. 

Scott Perunovich – Of course, we do not necessarily know what we have in last year’s Hobey Baker winner – at least, not at the pro level. He is currently sitting in their taxi squad, awaiting his first chance to slip in the line-up. However, he does carry a very high ceiling – in theory – and is poised to become a tremendous producer for points-only formats. Personally, Perunovich is on my personal watchlist and I am eagerly awaiting his debut. He is near the bottom of this list purely based on "unknowns” at the pro level. 

Mario Ferraro – Mario is clearly a large focus on the Sharks their top-four down the road (along with Ryan Merkley) and carries the potential to be a decent offensive producer. I am not very bullish on the Sharks (sorry), which should come as no surprise, so I have him at the bottom of this list. Perhaps in a few years when minute muncher, Brent Burns is out of the picture, I may think otherwise.

Question: Who's your "next year Kaprizov" for next season?

My thoughts

I think this question brings just enough spice to wrap things up. There are some heavy hitters set to contest for spots next season, and it’s going to be hard to narrow it down to one. 

So I won’t.

I am going to pinpoint a few who I believe could enter the league and potentially make a difference out the gate.

If I’m being honest, Cole Caufield has really impressed me. Yes, at 5-foot-7, he lacks size. But his offensive prowess is just too heavy to ignore. He seems to be scoring at will this season and leads the nation in goals with 19 and points with 37. If he can squeeze his way into the Canadiens lineup – which is a big if – the potential, especially on the power-play, is scary.

Even though I am somewhat wary of his utilization out the gate, if it all, thanks to an extremely potent top-six, Colorado Avalanche prospect Alex Newhook definitely intrigues me. 

My gut would like to say that Marco Rossi will skate alongside the above-mentioned Kaprizov, and tear it up as a pair. However, with his recent health scares – let’s pray he gets well soon – it’s hard to know if he takes part in the season, or if this will play a role in his production. However, if healthy, I am certainly bullish on Rossi to make a big splash. He is extremely skilled.

Finally, there’s Lucas Raymond. He struggled during this year’s WJC, at least compared to what we were hoping for. However, fear not, he is the real deal and if he was to make his way to Michigan, could change the look of the club immediately. Much like Kaprizov, the (now) 18-year-old Swede would be entering a somewhat limited offensive club. Luckily, he carries that difference-maker potential that could instantly run a threat and dare I say, make them a watchable team?

Thanks for joining me. I hope you have a great week and take home another fantasy victory.