Welcome back to The Journey, where we track the development of prospects as they excel in junior, make the NHL, and push towards stardom.

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Having a multi-category player is a game-changer, and while this skill set can evolve over a player’s career, stumbling upon a true multi-cat unicorn who fills up the stats sheet and finds the back of the net is something special. This is Part 2 of my series, where I will be focusing on players in the minors who have yet to reach the NHL but have already built a reputation as multi-category contributor.

Joakim Kemell, RW, Nashville Predators

Joakim Kemell is solidifying himself as one of the AHL's brightest talents, with a mix of skill and physicality that makes him a standout. Drafted by the Nashville Predators in 2022, Kemell is as a dual-threat winger who has top-six NHL potential. In the 2023-24 AHL season with Milwaukee, he tallied 41 points (16 goals, 25 assists) in 67 games, with 23 penalty minutes. He's carried that momentum into 2024-25, recording 11 points (5 goals, 6 assists) and 10 penalty minutes in 13 games. He has the offensive consistency and ability to handle the physical demands of pro hockey, key traits for an NHL transition.

With Nashville focusing on integrating young talent with their veteran leadership, Kemell is well-positioned for a potential late 2024 or 2025 NHL debut. The Predators' struggles might expedite his rise, as they look to inject some sort of offensive spark into their lineup. For fantasy managers, Kemell is a must-watch in dynasty leagues. His offensive skill set, power-play potential, and underrated physicality makes him valuable. Don't overlook him due to his Nashville locale—he has the tools to become a sneaky gem in fantasy hockey.

Joakim Kemell & Zach L'Heureux each look impressive in 1v1s (both in gold jerseys)

Kemell starts a yard sale in the neutral zone, ZLH power move for the goal @1025TheGame pic.twitter.com/FmkoajMGOc

— Max Herz (@MaxHerzTalks) September 11, 2024

Alexander Nikishin, D, Carolina Hurricanes

Alexander Nikishin is making waves as one of the best NHL-ready defensive prospects not yet in the league. He's been a total force in the KHL, leading all defensemen in points over the past two seasons with SKA St. Petersburg. Last year, he racked up 56 points in 67 games as a 22-year-old and landed 12th in PNHLe, right behind big names like Luke Hughes, Brandt Clarke, and Kevin Korchinski. But he's not just about size and physicality – he has the offensive skills to be a legit two-way threat. For fantasy managers hunting for a mix of grit and production, Nikishin's physicality and penalty minutes could be a jackpot, even if it takes him a bit to find his offensive stride in the NHL.

23-year-old Alexander Nikishin scored 4-6—10 PTS in 12 games in October, recorded a plus-13 rating, 16 hits, 28 blocked shots, 24:32 TOI, and for the 6th time in his career was named KHL Defenseman of the Month. pic.twitter.com/xFtf7upE8O

— KHL (@khl_eng) November 2, 2024

Size, strength, and offensive ability primes him for a top-four role in Carolina once his KHL contract ends. Speaking of contracts, he is tied to the KHL until the end of the season, and the Hurricanes have hinted that Nikishin is itching to join the team as soon as he can. The only issues are that SKA is a top KHL contender, and their season could run until May 31, so it's a bit of a waiting game. If he does make it over, the wear and tear of a long KHL season could mean he's not at 100%. But when he finally lands, make no mistake—Nikishin's impact will be instant.

Stanislav Svozil, D, Columbus Blue Jackets

Stanislav Svozil is quietly turning into a high-end two-way defenseman. He spent most of his time in the WHL with the Regina Pats, where his offensive game really popped off. In His 2022-23 season he recorded 78 points in 56 games (11 goals, 67 assists). He was the guy on the top pair, running the power play, and driving offense every night. Fast forward to the 2023-24 season, and he's carried that momentum into the AHL, showing off the same playmaking and offensive instincts against tougher competition.

Columbus goal!

Scored by Mikael Pyyhtia with 15:35 remaining in the 1st period.

Assisted by James Malatesta and Stanislav Svozil.

Pittsburgh: 0
Columbus: 1#CBJvsPIT #LetsGoPens #CBJ pic.twitter.com/kWTZrzSf9a

— NHL Goals (@nhl_goal_bot) October 4, 2024

Svozil's game is all about his awareness and smooth skating. He has the speed to jump into the rush offensively and still backcheck to take care of business in his own zone. When it's time to get physical, he knows how to use his size to win board battles and outmuscle opponents in one-on-one situations.

In an NHL setting, Svozil projects as a second-pairing, two-way defenseman with power-play potential, which makes him an intriguing prospect for the Blue Jackets. He knows how to dish out big hits and if he can harness that into every game look for him to be a strong candidate to contribute in the NHL soon.

Stanislav Svozil gets absolutely rocked by Wyatt Newpower a few moments after he left the neutral zone.

I think I felt that hit all the way in Northeast Ohio#CLEMonsters #GoGRG @fpc_ahl pic.twitter.com/S1TJDEZL8m

— Elaine Shircliff (@imaraindancer) October 27, 2023

Stian Solberg, D, Anaheim Ducks

The Ducks traded up with the Maple Leafs to grab Stian Solberg. This guy is a wrecking ball of a defenseman with a real edge to his play. I mean he was dubbed "the most violent player in the draft," His numbers may not scream offense (just 15 points in 42 games), but Solberg is all about impact on the ice. With Anaheim's blue line already stacked with offensive talent, he's poised to bring the grit and shutdown ability with a physical edge they need.

Stian Solberg best hits so far this season #FlyTogether pic.twitter.com/eKwF2A6kx9

— Jérôme Bérubé (@Jerome_Berube) November 6, 2024

lol, Stian Solberg.

Kid's a truck.

pic.twitter.com/LEhaViHiKz

— Hadi Kalakeche (@HadiK_Scouting) July 4, 2024

He is a natural fit as a defensive anchor, giving his teammates the freedom to jump into the play. Any leagues counting hits and blocks should keep Solberg on their radar—he might not light up the scoreboard, but he'll stuff the stat sheet with his physical play. Many were surprise that Solberg slipped down into the 20's before being drafted. Ducks GM Pat Verbeek even threw out a high praise comparison of him being a larger version of Radko Gudas who plays with aggression and edge. Need I say more.

Niko Huuhtanen, RW, Tampa Bay Lightning

If you're looking for a sleeper prospect to stash, keep an eye on Niko Huuhtanen. He was the last pick in the draft for the Lightning and has turned this late-round shot into a real opportunity. The past two seasons he was in the Finnish Elite League (Liiga). With Jukurit, the 20-year-old winger notched 36 goals and 76 points in 100 games, proving he's far more than a draft afterthought. He followed up a solid 17-goal, 30-point season in 2022-23 by hitting new highs with 19 goals and 46 points in 52 games this past year.

A three-game points streak and a two-point weekend earns Niko Huuhtanen our @Toyota Player of the Week honors! pic.twitter.com/Ihf6cSVA88

— Syracuse Crunch (@SyracuseCrunch) November 4, 2024

👊🚨 Niko Huuhtanen (#88) deflects it in front for his 2nd goal of the AHL season! Declan Carlile (#72) and Joel Teasdale (#42) pick up the assists.#GoBolts
pic.twitter.com/rni1Am3uhq

— Future Bolts (@LightningProsp1) November 2, 2024

Liiga is arguably the world's second-best men's pro league behind the NHL and is a tough proving ground, but Huuhtanen has shown he can keep up. He's best known for his heavy play style, but also has sharp hands and high hockey IQ to the ice. This year he is playing with the Syracuse Crunch has recorded 5 goals and 43 assists in 15 games. His development curve is trending up and his impressive work ethic, a top-six role with 20+ goals and 60+ points isn't out of the question. It's a bold forecast but achievable with his level of talent.

Oliver Bonk, D, Philadelphia Flyers

Oliver Bonk is proving he's more than just a recognizable name in the son of Radek Bonk.  He's a defenseman who plays a smart, steady game that coaches love. Last season, he tallied 67 points (24 goals, 43 assists) in 60 games, showing he can chip in offensively without chasing the spotlight. He's not flashy or risky, but his puck movement and hockey sense make him a sneaky asset.

THE KNIGHTS TIE THE GAME LATE IN THE FIRST 🚨@NHLFlyers prospect Oliver Bonk snaps one in to the Kitchener net and gets the @LondonKnights even in this one!#OHL | @CHLHockey | #CHLGOTW pic.twitter.com/tg9mm8IGjS

— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) November 20, 2024

The Knights take the lead! 🚨@NHLFlyers prospect Oliver Bonk gives London their first lead of the game early in the second period#OHL | @LondonKnights pic.twitter.com/6JTqqr7wL8

— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) October 10, 2024

His game is all about staying calm and playing smart. He doesn't make a ton of mistakes, handles pressure like very well, and is great at moving the puck out of trouble. He may not be quarterbacking the power play, but he's the one quietly picking up assists by making the right play at the right time. His physical game is smart and controlled, winning battles and breaking up plays. He's more about outthinking opponents than overpowering them, but he can throw his weight around when it counts. With his name already floating around for a potential World Junior spot, it's clear Bonk is carving out his own path.

Zachary L’Heureux, LW, Nashville Predators

Zachary L’Heureux is a high-risk, high-reward prospect with the potential to become a true fantasy unicorn. If he puts it all together, he could be a serious multi-category asset in any fantasy lineup. His recent playoff run with the Milwaukee Admirals was impressed, where he tallied an impressive 15 points (10 goals) in 15 games, pushing his stock firmly into blue-chip territory.

There were a lot of hockey people who didn't think Zachary L'Heureux had it between the ears, and a lot of times where he got in his own way and gave them ammunition. Still has his moments on the wrong side of the line but nice to see him figuring it out. pic.twitter.com/EZlgI8DMB3

— Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) November 18, 2024

L'Heureux might be flying under the radar in some circles, but that's a testament to Nashville’s deep pipeline. Last season in the AHL he posted 19 goals and 48 points over 66 games and he also saw some NHL action this year where he played 15 games and recorded one goal and three assists before being recalled back down to the Admirals. Although drafted before Barry Trotz took the GM reins, L'Heureux fits Trotz's mold perfectly: he's gritty, unafraid to throw his weight around, and has a talent for getting under opponents' skin. L'Heureux is a workhorse in the gritty areas, a key asset on both the power play and penalty kills, and has a hard-nosed game with skills tailored to today's NHL. Another callup may be in the books for L'Heureux later this season.

James Malatesta, LW, Columbus Blue Jackets

In his first AHL season, he notched 22 points and earned a call-up to Columbus, where he tallied four points and an impressive 41 hits in just 11 games. Malatesta brings speed, grit, and a relentless forechecking game that can get under opponents’ skin without crossing the line while playing with just enough edge to make him a real pain. While he may not settle into a top-six role at the NHL level, his value in bangers leagues is solid, thanks to his combination of hits, penalty minute potential, and a respectable offensive upside. Think of him as a Brad Marchand-lite with projections around 15-25 goals, 45 points, and 60 PIM in three years. Expect him to make a few more appearances this year, but a full-time NHL role likely awaits in 2025-26. For those in deeper leagues, especially where penalty minutes and hits count, Malatesta is a savvy late-round pick if you need immediate help and can work with a decent ceiling. 

If you think you're going to sit on the doorstep and stare at Jet Greaves after the play is over, James Malatesta would like a word with you. #FearTheDepths #CBJ @GracedByRainPod pic.twitter.com/pBwIyZhY3O

— Elaine Shircliff (@imaraindancer) November 10, 2024

Thanks for reading! See you next week. For more content/fantasy hockey analysis, or if there’s a prospect, you’d like me to cover, follow and message me on X @Punters_hockey.