Fantasy hockey can be brutal. One minute, your lineup is stacked, the next, your stars are dropping like flies. Matthew Tkachuk, Kirill Kaprizov, Jack Hughes, Adam Fox – the list keeps growing. Their absences will send fantasy managers scrambling, but injuries also open the door for young players to step into NHL roles. In a perfect world, teams would plug in the next guy seamlessly. Reality? Not so much. Most prospects get sheltered minutes to ease them in, but even a brief NHL stint can be a major stepping stone in their development. For fantasy managers, its is a valuable sneak peek at their trajectory.

With the trade deadline in the rearview, contenders are loading up while rebuilding teams look to the future. That makes this the perfect time to assess who is getting a shot. Over the next few weeks, teams will be calling up reinforcements, if they have not already.

So, I am kicking off a divisional mini-series spotlighting key prospects stepping into NHL action and those on the cusp. If a team has not made a move yet, I have identified the most likely call-up. For teams already featuring multiple prospects, I will focus on those currently in NHL roles while noting the next man up where relevant.

Metropolitan Division

Carolina Hurricanes – Alexander Nikishin

The Hurricanes took a hit at the trade deadline, losing their status as an Eastern Conference favourite, but they did land a key piece in Logan Stankoven. While he will not lead them to a Cup right away, he can be a big part of their future. Now, the focus shifts to another potential difference-maker: Alexander Nikishin. Carolina's top defensive prospect has dominated the KHL. He captained SKA St. Petersburg, reinforcing his reputation as an elite talent and leader. Drafted 69th overall in 2020, Nikishin brings a rare mix of size, strength, and hockey IQ. He's a physical, shutdown defender who can transition the puck with ease, and his heavy point shot adds to his two-way impact.

With his KHL contract set to expire and SKA in a playoff push, his arrival could align with the NHL postseason. While he won't move the needle in fantasy this year, Nikishin has all the makings of a future No. 1 defenseman, making him a must-target in keeper and dynasty leagues.

Alexander Nikishin, overtime winner!! pic.twitter.com/nvCVFqJmfE

— Canes Prospects (@CanesProspects) March 4, 2025

Columbus Blue Jackets – Denton Mateychuk and Luca Del Bell Belluz

Injuries have ravaged the Blue Jackets this season, forcing their young core Adam Fantilli, Kent Johnson, Yegor Chinakhov, and Kirill Marchenko to step up. With notable playmakers injured on the team, Columbus has leaned on its young core to stay afloat while keeping playoff hopes alive.

On the back end, Mateychuk has made an impact since his call-up. He's not the biggest or fastest, but his hockey IQ and relentless compete level stand out. His strong AHL production (nine goals, 16 assists in 27 games) earned him a shot, and in 25 NHL games, he's averaging 18 minutes a night. With Zach Werenski running the power play, Mateychuk is easing into his role, gaining invaluable experience without being thrown into the deep end.

Denton Mateychuk, forever MVP 🔥@MJWARRIORS https://t.co/FinbCKUi2Q

— Western Hockey League (@TheWHL) March 2, 2025

Up front, Del Bel Belluz got a 15-game NHL stint after his New Year's call-up, posting two goals and six assists before heading back to Cleveland. In the AHL, he's been dominant, racking up 17 goals and 18 assists in 31 games. He handled his top-six NHL minutes well, proving he belongs. As veterans such a Boone Jenner return from injury, his chances of staying in the lineup were short-lived, but he has already made a strong case for a permanent spot.

Luca Del Bel Belluz bats home his second career NHL goal! @BlueJacketsNHL | #CBJ | #NHLTonight pic.twitter.com/GOax5zhyQx

— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) January 10, 2025

New Jersey Devils – Seamus Casey

The Devils just can't catch a break. Jack Hughes is out long-term after shoulder surgery, and now Dougie Hamilton is week-to-week. They've made some adjustments, but let's be real—there's no replacing two franchise pillars.

One of their biggest problems? Forward depth, or rather, the lack of it. Their pipeline is stacked with blueliners—Simon Nemec, Seamus Casey, and Anton Silayev lead the way, while Mikhail Yegorov is their top goaltending prospect. But up front? Slim pickings. Lenni Hameenaho and Herman Traff are their best bets, with Shane LaChance recently joining the mix. With their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, Casey could get a look in the big leagues soon. The Devils loaded up on defense at the deadline, recognizing that their best offense might just be a rock-solid back end.

Seamus Casey's first NHL goal🔥

This kid is going to be a STUD.
pic.twitter.com/eMnPJ8H6fY

— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) October 5, 2024

New York Islanders – Calum Ritchie

I was scratching my head on who would be the next Islanders prospect to make the jump up. Luckily in this case, the trade deadline helped. Calum Ritchie is likely the next man up based on what the Islanders have in their prospect pool. I covered Ritche in early September here on his gameplay and potential. Ritchie is one of the most well-rounded players in the OHL, and his presence on the ice makes everyone around him better. His playmaking is crisp, calculated, and always has a purpose. He has the right tools to make something special happen and should fit seamlessly with the Islanders and has all the makings of a key piece in their future plans.

Here's a look at Calum Ritchie, newly acquired by the Islanders in the Nelson trade.

Certainly trending to be a legit NHLer. Best case scenario but unlikely is he's Mark Scheifele. More likely scenario is something like Shane Pinto or Calle Jarnkrok. pic.twitter.com/KATpRKdlrH

— Byron Bader (@ByronMBader) March 7, 2025

New York Rangers – Gabe Perreault and Brendan Brisson

Since acquiring JT Miller, the Rangers have found their groove, thrusting themselves back into the playoff mix and quieting, at least for now, any talk of what almost looked like a semi-rebuild. Rangers' fans aren't exactly known for their patience when it comes to rebuilding, so this resurgence is a welcome sight.

Ahead of the deadline, the Rangers flipped pending UFA Reilly Smith back to Vegas for prospect Brisson. I hadn't planned on including him, but here we are. Before diving into Brisson, a quick note on Perreault. Much like Ritchie, I covered Perreault earlier in the year and you can read about him here. He remains the Rangers' top prospect, dominating the NCAA, and should turn pro once Boston College's season ends next month. Expect to see him in a Rangers uniform soon.

Brisson, meanwhile, has had an up-and-down year with Henderson in his third pro season. A fresh start could be just what he needs. As for Rangers prospects who've already seen NHL time, Brennan Othmann (5 GP, 0 PTS) and Brett Berard (22 GP, 4G, 4A) have seen some both-six ice time.

7️⃣ goals. 7️⃣ games.

Perrault tallies one goal and one assist to take the nation's lead in points (45).

Give it up for Gabe 👏 pic.twitter.com/e7vfEnNZWX

— BC Men's Hockey (@BC_MHockey) February 13, 2024

Philadelphia Flyers – Emil Andrae

From the start of the season, the Flyers, especially John Tortorella, have sent a clear message to their young players: Perform, and you'll get your shot. However, with Philly's forward group going through its share of ups and downs, the chances of a prospect cracking the lineup seem slim. On the blue line, Oliver Bonk is an option, but at just 19, he still needs time to develop. That leaves Emil Andrae, who has already had a taste of NHL action, splitting his time between the big club and the AHL. He is showing signs of becoming a solid top-six defenseman and looks to stick with the Flyers for the rest of the season.

Flyers GM Danny Briere tells reporters that Emil Andrae is being recalled and the expectation is he will be with the big club for the remainder of the season. #LetsGoFlyers

— Anthony SanFilippo (@AntSanPhilly) March 7, 2025

Pittsburgh Penguins – Rutger McGroarty

The Pittsburgh Penguins were making some deals yesterday and now have the most draft picks of any team in the NHL in the next three drafts. All those moves seemed to pave the way for McGroarty to try and earn a spot on the roster.  At the start of the season, it seemed like McGroarty was on track to stick with the Penguins.  However, things didn't play out as expected and McGroarty looked like he needed more time. The Penguins are caught between two timelines, with Crosby, Malkin, and Letang still leading the charge, making a full rebuild unfeasible. This balance was evident in their trade for Tommy Novak from Nashville.

McGroarty's transition from the NCAA to the AHL has been a mix of highs and lows. After a strong season at Michigan (52 points in 36 games), his AHL production has dipped to 10 goals and 21 assists in 50 games. He has proven He is built for the grind—strong, mobile, and confident with the puck. His AHL debut has not been as smooth as expected, suggesting he may need more development. With how the Penguins currently look, they may hold off on calling up any prospects down the stretch. That said, if they do give someone a shot, he is the most likely candidate.

Two assists on the night. Now make it two assists AND a goal for Rut! pic.twitter.com/tDJU1NvNkg

— Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (@WBSPenguins) March 8, 2025

STAY HOT RUT 🔥🔥

That's goal #️⃣1️⃣0️⃣ on the year for Rutger McGroarty pic.twitter.com/WrEUeJmVwr

— Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (@WBSPenguins) March 2, 2025

Washington Capitals – Ivan Miroshnichenko and Hendrix Lapierre

Who had this on their bingo card? The Capitals are the best team in the East, just two points off the NHL lead, and locked in on a deep playoff run. With their focus on adding veteran depth, especially with this potentially being Ovechkin's last real shot at a Cup, the odds of a prospect cracking the lineup are slim.

Ivan Miroshnichenko did not dominate in the AHL, but his on-ice impact and offensive production for his age earned him an NHL call-up. Since then, he has taken another step, thriving in a bigger role with Hershey and proving he can hold his own after an 18-game NHL stint earlier this season. Hendrix Lapierre has the vision, skill, and playmaking to be an NHL regular, but whether he gets another shot this season is up in the air. He has been productive in the AHL, showing improved skating and confidence, but with Washington all-in on a Cup push, they might not gamble on a young forward in a critical role, unless injuries require it. He still has to show he can handle NHL pace and physicality in a middle-six spot.

Alex Limoges buries AHL point 200 on a power play goal! It's his 14th goal of the season! Ivan Miroshnichenko extends his point streak to five straight games on the assist along with Chase Priskie. pic.twitter.com/ahZxuHWkLu

— Bears Hockey Nation (@HBHNationBlog) March 8, 2025

Goals in three straight for Ivan Miroshnichenko👀@TheHersheyBears | #LVvsHER pic.twitter.com/BbjpGG3GCw

— American Hockey League (@TheAHL) March 2, 2025

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.