Welcome back to Call-Up Chronicles.  Last week, we covered the Central Division, and now it is time to shift gears to the Pacific Division. With the trade deadline in the rearview, teams are either gearing up for a playoff push or laying the foundation for the future. Injuries and roster shakeups have cracked open the door for young talent, making this the perfect moment to see who's ready to step up.

In this edition, we are spotlighting prospects getting their first real taste of NHL action, along with those knocking on the door. For fantasy managers, now is the time to scout potential impact players, some could be hidden gems, while others might not be worth the hype. Let's dive in and see which young guns are making waves.

Stats for this article do not include Friday's games.

Pacific Division

Anaheim Ducks – Tristan Luneau

Luneau is easily Anaheim's most well-rounded defensive prospect and a prime candidate for an NHL call-up. A smooth-skating, right-shot defenseman, he plays a poised, two-way game and can control play at both ends. His passing stands out, and he has turned his shot into a legitimate weapon, making him a strong option to run the power play. Despite missing time last year due to an infection, it has not slowed his development. He has been logging heavy minutes this season, often surpassing 22 minutes per game in all situations. Given his ability to handle big responsibilities and drive play, Luneau should be the Ducks' first choice if they need reinforcements on the blue line.

Tristan Luneau is going to be quite the show on offense. pic.twitter.com/dEow8xEFCm

— Félix Sicard (@Felix_Sicard) March 16, 2025

Calgary Flames – Rory Kerins

Kerins is proving himself as a legit NHL prospect for the Flames. His recent call-up, where he notched four assists in five games, showcased his ability to contribute at the highest level. He is not the biggest nor flashiest player, but his high hockey IQ, sharp playmaking, and quick release make him a constant offensive threat. After finishing second in OHL scoring behind Wyatt Johnston, Kerins has taken a steady path to the pros. His time in the ECHL helped refine his game, leading to a top role in the AHL. Now a key piece in Calgary's system, his smart positioning and ability to execute under pressure make him a strong candidate for another NHL look. If he keeps producing, he could push for a regular spot in the Flames' lineup sooner rather than later.

First shift. First NHL point.

Rory Kerins won't be forgetting this night. 🤩

🇺🇸: @NHLNetwork
🇨🇦: @SportsOnPrimeCA ➡️ https://t.co/93veFI9jrZ pic.twitter.com/rV9cGh2QQE

— NHL (@NHL) January 14, 2025

Edmonton Oilers – Matt Savoie

The Oilers’ prospect pool has thinned out, losing high-end talent and four of their last five first-round picks, plus key pieces like Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway from the Blues' offer sheet. But when you are chasing a Cup with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, it's the price you pay. One bright spot is Savoie. His relentless motor and high-end WHL production make him a strong fit for Edmonton's up-tempo system. While his AHL numbers have dipped (17 goals, 26 assists in 55 games), he is still a key piece for Bakersfield. With strong special team's upside, his versatility adds value. The big question is whether he sticks at center or moves to the wing when called up. Either way, his skill and compete level make him a strong NHL candidate.

Los Angeles Kings – Erik Portillo

This might be a stretch, given Darcy Kuemper has been solid for the Kings and David Rittich is still in the mix. With Kuemper at 34 and under contract for two more years, and Rittich potentially hitting free agency, now seems like a good time to bring in Portillo under Kuemper. Portillo has steadily developed into an NHL-caliber goaltender. After a standout career at Michigan, leading them to a Frozen Four, he made a smooth transition to the AHL. He posted a strong .918 save percentage in his rookie year, however, this year he started off slow and has shown signs of struggling at times. Despite that, he experienced his NHL debut in November which resulted in a 28-save, 2-1 win. While there are still some inconsistencies in his game, his skill set suggests he may ready for an NHL backup role and could be the Kings next call-up.

Erik Portillo in his @NHL Debut:

29 Saves
1 GA
.966 SV% pic.twitter.com/adUvBKBpN8

— LA Kings (@LAKings) November 29, 2024

Seattle Kraken – Jani Nyman

I thought Jagger Firkus might get an NHL look this year, but he is still adjusting to the AHL and needs more development. That said, Seattle got great value at 35th overall, and his offensive instincts suggest he could grow into a top-nine winger. Moving on to Nyman, a 2022 second-rounder, who has been a standout in his first full AHL season after transitioning from Liiga. He leads Coachella with 26 goals and 15 assists in 55 games, including 16 goals and 12 assists in his last 35. His size, strength, and lethal shot make him a constant offensive threat. While he lacks elite speed, his physicality and ability to create space for quick unsuspecting shots. After a strong camp, he has recently earned a call-up and has six points in eight NHL games and he looks like he is fitting in just perfectly.

JANI NYMAN!

He is FIRED UP 😤 pic.twitter.com/M5PVtmOBD2

📢 advertisement:

— NHL (@NHL) March 17, 2025

Jani Nyman may already have the best one-timer on the team. That was a rocket. pic.twitter.com/TBTKd8T9Zq

— Emerald City Hockey (@EmeraldCityHky) March 13, 2025

San Jose Sharks – Ethan Cardwell / Luca Cagnoni

Cardwell, a 2021 overage draft pick, has been another bright spot for San Jose. After a 101-point season in Barrie, he has made a smooth AHL transition with 23 goals and 43 points in his rookie year. He has been productive on special teams and even notched his first NHL goal. While not a prototypical bottom-six forward, his versatility and work ethic could earn him that role. With Thomas Bordeleau already seeing some NHL time, Cardwell is another name to watch as the Sharks close out the season.

I covered Cagnoni earlier on The Journey, so I'll keep it short. I did not expect him to get a look this year, but he has been outstanding in his rookie AHL season, racking up 47 points in 56 games, including 31 on the man-advantage. His 90-point WHL season put him in the same conversation as top prospects like Olen Zellweger and Shea Theodore. After a strong Sharks camp, he leads all under 21 AHL defensemen in scoring while logging 20 minutes a night for the Barracuda. His smaller frame has not held him back, and with his offensive upside, he has a real shot at becoming a top-four NHL defenseman.

Luca Cagnoni's great defensive effort leads to his first NHL point on the Eklund goal!🚨#TheFutureIsTeal pic.twitter.com/6ed4ihfbOE

— SnipeCity420  (@SnipeCity420) March 23, 2025

Luca Cagnoni makes it 1-0 Cuda!#TheFutureIsTeal pic.twitter.com/3AdOjibIt5

— JD Young (@MyFryHole) October 20, 2024

Vancouver Canucks – Jonathan Lekkerimaki

Lekkerimaki has been impressive in the AHL, registering 19 goals and 9 assists in 28 games, proving he can score at the pro level. While still adjusting to the NHL’s pace, his skill set is undeniable. He has been called up twice this season, playing 11 games with the Canucks, recording two goals and an assist. His most recent call-up came was in early March, and he has played eight games since. With injuries and the Miller trade leaving a void in the top six, Lekkerimaki stepped in and even earned time on the top power-play unit, playing alongside Brock Boeser and Filip Chytil at even strength. He is currently back with the Canucks and with continued development, Lekkerimaki looks like he could quickly secure a permanent spot in the Canucks’ top six, making him a player to watch as the season comes to an end.

Lekkerimaki has a BOMB pic.twitter.com/4AphVbxcPt

— avery (@averyspacehall) March 25, 2025

Vegas Golden Knights – Raphael Lavoie / Jakub Brabenec

Lavoie was previously in the Oilers system and was waived earlier in the season at which point the Golden Knights claimed him. The 6’4, right winger has played in just seven NHL games since his draft year but has been a solid AHL player. In 202 games he scored 71 goals and 131 points. He is a player who could get an opportunity in Vegas. This year he was called up the Golden Knights and played four NHL games for the team.  

Brabenec, a 2021 fourth-round pick by Vegas, has shown steady growth with the Henderson Silver Knights. Last season, he posted 15 goals and 25 assists in 68 games, demonstrating his development as a two-way forward. This year, he has 8 goals and 11 assists in 54 games, showing some regression offensively but maintaining his overall game. While his numbers are not eye-catching, his two-way play remains promising. The likelihood of Vegas calling anyone up during their playoff run is slim but if Brabenec continues to refine his game, he could carve out a role as a reliable depth piece for the Golden Knights in the future.

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.