Welcome back to The Journey.

In last week's edition, I covered a list of newly inked NCAA players, three of which have made their professional debuts since.

Here is a quick update:

David Farrance was the lone player to take part in his first National Hockey League game, skating 13:46 with the Nashville Predators. The majority of his minutes came alongside veterans Mattias Ekholm (5:27) and Roman Josi (4:49). He failed to record a point, but seeing minutes next to the club's top brass is certainly a good indicator for the young rearguard and his fantasy owners who come with it.

Matt Boldy suited up in his first game with the Iowa Wild on Friday evening. It went well, I suppose.

Matt Boldy (#mnwild) with a rocket in his pro debut.

He finished the night with a goal, a helper, and three shots on net.pic.twitter.com/sLmYhwuAg9

— Dave Hall (@hall1289) April 10, 2021

Wild fans should get used to this, as he will be bringing the organization production on a consistent basis and is a sure bright spot among their depth charts. 

Finally, there is Cole Caufield. It's hard to imagine a better professional debut. Not only was he suiting up in his first game with the Laval Rocket, but he was announced this year's Hobey Baker Award winner as 2020-21's top collegiate player. The win comes as no surprise as he had been dominant all season, leading the nation in both goals (30) and overall points (52). Yet, it's an obvious honor, nonetheless.

He capped off his day with a three-point performance, scoring two goals, adding a helper, and five shots to boot. I remain firm on the probability of seeing him at the NHL level by season's end. 

🚨 @colecaufield PP
1-1
🎥 AHLtv pic.twitter.com/cY8tx5bZ0m

— Here's Your Replay ⬇️ (@HeresYourReplay) April 10, 2021

Moving onto the task at hand, that being Dobber's Fantasy Prospect Defender list. As usual, the movements were somewhat slim with regard to rising stock. However, there were a few names that caught my eye. 

Here are the latest risers.

Ty Smith, Devils (Ranked: Jan: 13, Feb: 1, Mar: 1)

As expected, Smith's incredible point-per-game pace which he was firing at to begin his career, has since tailed off. Yet, sitting third in points on a bottom-five squad with regards to goal scoring is nothing to scoff at. He looks to be the real deal. 

He's up to 21 points over 38 games and sits as the lone defender who's even remotely in Calder Trophy talks. As if it's a shock to anyone, he has blossomed into a well-versed, top-pairing player who can run a power play with absolute grace. 

As is common with young rearguards, work can be done on the defensive side. Yet, being one of three defenders on the team (with 10 games or more) in the plus department is surely a good sign (+1). He has become a go-to threat on the Devils and has made himself a permanent staple going forward. You can relax, and take a deep breath fantasy owners, he has made it. He has translated well and will be a top-pairing option for the foreseeable future. 

This is his second consecutive month as number one on the rankings, and it's safe to say that he will be a top-of-the-line graduate very soon. 

Jamie Drysdale, Ducks (Ranked: Jan: 30, Feb: 30, Mar: 23)

What a year it's been for Drysdale, who was drafted in the No. 6 spot back in October. While Covid was hindering many young player's careers, the 19-year-old and his fantasy owners benefited greatly. With no junior team to report to, he was fast-tracked to his professional journey earlier than expected. Oh, and it went well. 

Starting out in the "A", he came out the gate hot, producing 10 points over his first 14 games with four goals on his ledger. His offensive nature transitioned immediately, and the writing was on the wall for his imminent promotion. Of course, it came. And of course, he put up a goal and an assist in his debut. 

Given the expected struggles happening in Anaheim, his offensive numbers have tapered off, compiling just two points since (eight games). However, he has and should continue to play second-line minutes, while manning the club's secondary power-play unit – also known as his happy place. 

The benefits may not be realized this season, however, his long-term value is rising quickly. Most specifically for all of you points-only GMs. 

Jack Rathbone, Canucks (Ranked: Jan: 50, Feb: 50, Mar: 40)

The Harvard University standout had a hefty wait in between meaningful hockey games, thanks to his collegiate team shutting things down for the 2020-21 campaign. As a result of that, the Canucks were able to ink an ELC deal, burning his first year of eligibility in the process. He was turning pro. 

Contrary to what many predicted, he failed to make the starting roster and was confined to the club's taxi squad to begin the year. This was less than ideal for his development or those who invested in his fantasy stock. 

Finally, the club did him right, sending him down to the American League to gain his proper reps and finally see some minutes. Oh boy, did he come as advertised. He recorded three assists in his debut, and five points over his first three games. He made an instant presence on the club's special teams and was thrown into top minutes out the gate. Of course, just games after Canucks fans were blessed with his presence, the club was forced into Covid protocols which resulted in a large gap in games. 

Do not expect to see him in a Canucks jersey during this season, yet, there is a very good chance that he earns a spot on the rotating six next year. If so, the offensive implications are very real. He is a smooth, versatile, offensive defenceman who can put up numbers immediately – behind Quinn Hugues, of course. 

Tobias Bjornfot, Kings (Ranked: Jan: 60, Feb: 60, Mar: 48)

It has been a busy year for the 20-year-old Swedish defender. With the shutdown running it's course, Bjornfot began his 2020-21 campaign overseas. Suiting up for Djurgårdens IF, he skated 15 games in the SHL, posting three points (1G + 2A), 33 PIM through 17:02 (average) minutes of ice-time. Considering he is not known to overwhelm the stat sheets, it was a very solid stint for the young rearguard. 

He made his way back to North America, suited up for one game in the AHL with the Ontario Reign before jumping exclusively into the NHL. As mentioned, his game is not known for offensive production, so his four assists through 19 games are right on schedule. He plays a solid two-way game and can help out on the penalty kill when tasked to do so. He's just an all-around solid performer.

He is a strong piece to the LA Kings' top-four future and is a solid option for multi-cat dynasty leagues. I expect a good bump in numbers come next season. 

Thanks for joining me for another installment. Follow me @hall1289 for more prospect updates!