Welcome back to The Journey.

Over the past few weeks, I had been making my predictions on the upcoming draft 2021 eligibles, bringing you a three-part Mock Draft. If you missed them, check them out here:

Mock Draft Part One: Picks 1-5

Mock Draft Part Two: Picks 6-10

Mock Draft Part Three: Picks 11-15

While that was fun, it's time to get back to the meat and potatoes. 

Even when hockey games are nowhere to be found, movement among Dobber’s Prospect Rankings is still alive and well. Given that a few major names have officially graduated, this month's edition was even spicier. Let's dive into some of June's top Forward Prospect movers. 

Marco Rossi, Wild (Ranked – April: 19, May: 19, June: 7)

Rossi, Minnesota’s most recent top-10 pick, is moving his way back up the charts. Sparing the details of what he has gone through during his battle with Covid, it is very encouraging and incredible to see him back on the ice, taking part in skates once again. 

Prior to his battle, the Austrian-born forward was considered a potential game-breaking prospect. Many, in fact, had him on a shortlist for potential Calder Trophy winners this past season, myself included. He was coming off an explosive sophomore season in the OHL, leading the way with an incredible 120 points over 56 games. This included 81 assists.

Despite recent setbacks, Rossi has undeniable ability to be in the conversation for the number one spot among this prospect list. Sources indicate that he is on track to at least compete for a spot come training camp, which is a detail that fantasy owners should be keeping close tabs on. If healthy, the dynamo is a must-draft in your dynasty leagues and even in your re-draft formats. The potential is very real. 

Anton Lundell, Panthers (Ranked – April: 49, May: 45, June: 17)

The 6-foot-1 pivot has become a "hindsight 20/20" prospect for the 11 GMs that passed on him back in October. While highly regarded for his work in the defensive end, many scouts had questioned his ability to translate into an impact player capable of producing in the top-ranked leagues. He confidently put those reservations to rest this year. 

Serving as a teen alternate captain, Lundell was one of the more impressive skaters to play in the Liiga, let alone sophomores. While his 25 points sat mid-range among the league, his points-per-game (0.96) finished 10th league-wide, while he dominated the U20 circuit in that regard. His year is highlighted with three – yes, I said three – medal finishes. First, a bronze medal as captain with Team Finland at this year's WJC, where he finished third in tournament scoring. Secondly, taking home a second bronze as third-place finishers in Liiga action. Finally, he took home a silver at the most recent World Championship event, leading all U20 skaters with seven points. It certainly wasn't the worst five-month stretch.

Despite looking ready to do so, the timeline was not favorable for him to join the Panthers for their recent playoff run. However, he has officially signed his ELC and is slated to make his way to Sunrise over the summer. Crazier things have happened, but he should be considered close to a shoo-in to make the team as a second-to-third line center out of the gate. He has multi-cat dynamo written all over him. 

Lukas Reichel, Blackhawks (Ranked – April: 82, May: 92, June: 39)

Much like the rest of the names in this group, Reichel has shot up the charts over the past month. This is likely in part to his impressive showing at this year's World Championships, where he took on all of the nation's top (well, sort of) players. The 19-year-old finished second on Team Germany with seven points, while finishing second (behind Lundell) among the U20 circuit. 

The Hawks' first-round pick from last season has signed his ELC and is slated to cross the pond to join the organization in camp. Despite his game taking heavy strides over this past year, notching 27 points in 38 games in his second year in the DEL, he is likely to take it slow and begin in the AHL. At least to begin the year. The club is in no rush to throw him to the wolves and some time to acclimate himself is well worth the wait. He is a speedy playmaker who is taking a major step in his journey to becoming a middle-six offensive producer with the Hawks.

Connor Zary, Flames (Ranked – April: 123, May: 136, June: 40)

Zary, another 2020 first-rounder, is coming off an AHL/WHL split season. As a result of Covid-19, many top-notch prospects were able to begin the season as a pro earlier than expected. The Saskatchewan native was one of the good ones, firring seven points (3G + 4A) over nine games in Stockton, before being forced back to Kamloops to assume his role as the Blazers captain. 

His return to the junior ranks re-affirmed his readiness for the next level, dominating the league with a 1.60 points-per-game. With that in mind, expect him to return to the pro ranks, likely back in Stockton. 

He's a tireless competitor who plays with an edge, is very strong on the puck, and has a lethal NHL-ready shot. The organization has made it clear that they expect him to play up the middle, but sleep well knowing that there is versatility to move to the wing if needed. Zary is very draftable in the first few rounds of your dynasty leagues and is poised to be a top-six player in no time. 

Henrik Borgstrom, Blackhawks (Ranked – April: 122, May: 101, June: 64)

The Henrik Borgstrom saga continues. Although, this time, it may actually have a happy ending. By now, you know the story all too well: A dominant collegiate player drafted in the first round and pegged as a sure thing. After a few failed attempts and some lost trust along the way, he heads overseas to re-invent his game and find his footing as a pro hockey player. It's a classic tale. 

Fast forward to today, and Borgstrom is fresh off of a semi succesful Finnish stint, compiling 21 points in 30 matches with HIFK Helsinki. Aesthetically, these numbers look great. However, he did struggle at times during his stay and was basically force-fed top-line minutes in an attempt to get his game going. He looked great at times, and mediocre in most.  Of course, coming off of injury, some slack must be given. 

Now part of a rebuilding Blackhawks group, the 23-year-old may get a second shot at redemption. The club's depth up the middle is not as "NHL ready" deep as most, meaning he won't have as many hurdles to jump over in order to earn a bottom-six role on opening night. Should he be succesful out of camp, he may be worth a low-risk draft in the later rounds. He certainly has the skill to create offense, now if he can find some times alongside stars like Patrick Kane, Alex DeBrincat, or Dominik Kubalik, things could get interesting. 

Shane Pinto, Senators (Ranked – April: 137, May: 123, June: 80)

While his 32nd overall draft selection doesn't necessarily scream NHL superstar, Pinto is translating into a nice investment for the Ottawa Senators. He's coming off of a two-year collegiate career, in which he registered just under a point-per-game with 60 points in 61 games for North Dakota. 

Singing his ELC in late March, Pinto graduated to the pros and jumped straight into the show. Given his strong .620 face-off percentage in the NCAA, the Sens started him in his comfortable position and he flourished in his short but sweet stint. Despite averaging just over 12 minutes of icetime, and very little time on the man-advantage, the 20-year-old compiled seven points in 12 matches. He was even used as a regular penalty killer.

Given the current status of the club, it's not out of the question to think Pinto stands a chance of skating second-line minutes next season. However, the best course of action is probably to keep him stationed as a two-way pivot on the bottom half, while he continues to shed his training wheels. Overall, he is showing positive steps towards becoming a decent mid-ranged fantasy option to keep tabs on.