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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This week, we're breaking down Dobber's Top 200 Fantasy Prospect Forwards – March 2025. There's a nice mix of talent here, some prospects are already making an impact in fantasy lineups, while others are still biding their time for a breakthrough. A few notable players have officially graduated from the prospect list, including Cutter Gauthier, Olen Zellweger, Jackson Blake, Matt Coronato, Mavrik Bourque, Marco Kasper, and Shane Wright. If a specific riser or faller is not mentioned, it is likely because I have already covered them in a recent Journey article. I do my best to minimize repetition, though it might sneak in occasionally especially if warranted. With that said, let's start with the biggest movers in this month's forward rankings.

Risers:

Nikita Artamonov

Carolina Hurricanes

January: 342 / February: 340 / March: 66

Nikita Artamonov is quickly emerging as one of Carolina's more intriguing prospects. While he may not have the dynamic flash of some other Hurricanes prospects, he has a well-rounded offensive game, and a structured approach to his style of play. His KHL development has been trending in the right direction. In his draft year (2023-24), he posted 7 goals and 23 points in 54 games, a solid showing for a young forward adjusting to pro hockey.

This season, however, was a breakthrough with 22 goals and 39 points in 63 games, nearly tripling his goal total. Artamonov is undersized but highly creative, and has the potential to be a middle-six winger who adds skill and structure to a lineup. His work ethic and maturity have drawn praise from coach Igor Larionov, and with his KHL contract expiring after 2025-26, a move to the NHL in 2026-27 seems realistic. From a fantasy perspective, he has intriguing upside and could develop into a solid producer in deeper leagues.

Samuel Helenius

Los Angeles Kings

January: 179 / February: 173 / March: 78

Samuel Helenius has steadily developed with the Los Angeles Kings, establishing himself as a dependable depth center. His size and physicality make him effective in puck protection and on the forecheck. While his skating remains a work in progress, improvements in quickness and sense of urgency have helped him compete at the NHL level. His offensive production has been modest, with 2 goals and 3 assists in 43 NHL games, along with 2 goals and 4 assists in 20 AHL games.

Though not a primary offensive driver, Helenius complements his linemates well, using his reach and heavy shot to contribute around the net. He projects as a checking-line center who provides defensive reliability and a strong forechecking presence making him a valuable asset in the Kings’ bottom six and multi-cat leagues. He has the potential to carve out an even larger role although his trajectory suggests he will be more an important depth piece for Los Angeles moving forward.

Nick Lardis

Chicago Blackhawks

January: 364 / February: 87 / March: 82

If you have not been paying attention to Nick Lardis, now is the time. The Chicago Blackhawks prospect has been lighting it up for the Brantford Bulldogs after an injury-shortened season last year. With 71 goals and 117 points in 65 games this season, he has established himself as one of the most dangerous finishers in junior hockey. He has a lethal shot and the vision for finding open ice have fueling an incredible season, which includes 17 multi-goal performances.

Lardis has joined an exclusive club, becoming just the 12th player in OHL history to reach the 70-goal milestone. The last player to hit that mark? John Tavares, who netted 72 goals in 67 games. The biggest question moving forward is whether he can develop into a well-rounded player at the pro level. If he does, the Blackhawks may have found a steal in the third round, adding another goal scorer to their pipeline and had he stayed healthy last season, his breakout year might have happened even sooner.

Gage Goncalves

Tampa Bay Lightning

January: 156 / February: 149 / March: 91

Gage Goncalves' rollercoaster season makes more sense when you look at the timeline. After a strong AHL start (six assists in five games), he earned a call-up on November 9 but struggled to stick in the NHL. He then went on a cold streak ultimately leading to his waiver placement mid-January, a low point in his year. He was then recalled late January and Goncalves flipped the script and has since carved out a steady role as a third-line contributor and like a key depth piece for the Lightning heading into the playoffs. His bounce-back speaks to the confidence he has regained and how valuable he can be when playing with pace and structure.

Nikita Nesterenko

Anaheim Ducks

January: 222 / February: 221 / March: 137

Nesterenko is making the most of his latest stint with the Anaheim Ducks, and this could be one of his final chances to solidify a spot in the lineup. After three years at Boston College, he spent two seasons in the AHL with the San Diego Gulls, earning multiple call-ups since the 2022-23 season. He was called up in January, sent back down in February, and recalled again in March, Nesterenko has played 15 games with Anaheim this season, recording four goals and one assist.

While his offensive production is not overwhelming, his impact on the ice has been noticeable. His ability to contribute in a top-nine role has given the Ducks something to think about as they evaluate their forward group. With restricted free agency looming at the end of the season, Nesterenko needs to prove he belongs. If he continues to produce and bring value, he could force Anaheim's hand in keeping him around.

Fallers:

Felix Unger Sorum

Carolina Hurricanes

January: 84 / February: 83 / March: 157

Felix Unger Sorum had a strong showing at the World Juniors but has faced challenges adjusting to the AHL as a teenager, which has likely impacted his prospect ranking. While he has consistently produced at various levels, the transition to pro hockey has been challenging for Sorum. In his draft year with Leksands IF, he recorded 15 points (3G, 12A) in 35 games, a solid output for an 18-year-old in the SHL. His move to the AHL with Chicago in 2024-25 has been tougher, posting 20 points (5G, 15A) in 57 games with a dip to 0.35 PPG. The smaller ice surface and more physical play also likely play a role in his slower production.

Unger Sorum has never been one to put pucks in the net, but his playmaking remains his strongest asset. While his NHL potential is uncertain, his skill set suggests he has the tools to succeed. Continued development, particularly in offensive consistency and shot generation, will be key to determining if he can carve out a middle-six role at the next level.

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.