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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With most of the elite free agents now signed, we can start to get a general idea of what lineups might look like for the upcoming NHL season. With that, I thought it was the perfect time to dive into prospects whose value has risen, both from a hockey standpoint and, more importantly, from a fantasy perspective after the free-agent frenzy. This will be a two-part series on prospects whose value has increased post-free agency. So, let's get straight into it:

Enjoy!

Fedor Svechkov – Nashville Predators

Svechkov's rookie season went largely unnoticed in comparison to his counterparts as he produced 17 points in 52 games while averaging sheltered bottom-six minutes with the Predators. His fantasy impact may have been minimal, but he still displayed the versatility and reliability of a player who can help in multiple areas. He played both center and wing, adapted to different linemates, and maintained steady play in all situations. His best even-strength results came alongside Luke Evangelista and Tommy Novak, where the line-controlled possession and held its own. Even with limited power play usage, Svechkov fit in well when given shifts with Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Filip Forsberg.

Svechkov is not the type to post big numbers right away, but his ability to drive play and elevate linemates makes him worth tracking. Making Nashville's top six will be a challenge with established veterans like Stamkos and Ryan O'Reilly projected down the middle. There is no obvious internal option for the 2C role beyond those two, meaning opportunity could come if the lineup shifts or if Svechkov moves to the wing. He may not be ready to handle 2C responsibilities this early in his NHL career, but the Predators increased his ice time late last season, showing growing trust so maybe temporary stints up in the top-six may be beneficial for his development.

Regardless, whether used as a third-line center, a penalty killer, or a second-unit power-play option, Svechkov has a strong chance to develop quietly into a key contributor. Nashville not making any major moves this offseason may have tipped the scales in Fedor's favor.

Jiri Kulich – Buffalo Sabres

The Sabres' overall depth brings a bit of a bottleneck, which may affect Kulich's place in the lineup. It is not necessarily a negative, if anything, it gives him a more competitive environment to prove he belongs. Kulich has the talent but with several proven NHL forwards ahead of him in key offensive spots, he will need to earn every chance and make the most of it quickly.

He showed flashes of finishing ability last season and could see a similar role to start the year, potentially alongside Tage Thompson. However, their chemistry was inconsistent, and if that pairing does not click early, his spot could shift. At even strength, Josh Norris could challenge for the top-line center role with Thompson, which would then push Kulich to the second line. On the power play, the top unit appears set with Thompson, Norris, Alex Tuch, Rasmus Dahlin, and likely Jason Zucker, who was effective last season. That leaves Kulich as a likely second-unit option.

PP2 could feature Kulich with Zach Benson, Bowen Byram, and Owen Power. While it is a capable group, the deployment is clearly secondary in terms of prime scoring opportunity. Even so, Kulich's spot in the top six at even strength is still a favorable position for a player with just 63 NHL games under his belt.

As things stand, I would project Kulich as a second-line winger and second-unit power play regular until further notice. He has legitimate goal-scoring upside, and even without top-unit power play time, 20–25 goals and 40 points are within reach this season, strong output for this stage of development.

Maxim Shabanov – New York Islanders

Shabanov was not widely discussed until he signed a one-year ELC with the New York Islanders following an impressive 67 points in 65 games with Traktor Chelyabinsk in the KHL. The Islanders see upside in him and the current roster makeup leaves the door open for him to earn a meaningful role. New York's offseason was quiet outside of adding Jonathan Drouin, which leaves opportunity for a skilled winger to make an impact. The forward group is still built around Mathew Barzal and Bo Horvat down the middle, but there is uncertainty on the wings beyond Anders Lee, who will be a free agent after the season. Simon Holmstrom appears set for a second-line role with Kyle Palmieri on the top line, but nothing in this lineup is fully set.

Shabanov's speed, quick hands, and goal-scoring instincts potentially create a strong fit alongside one of the team's top playmakers. His contract situation adds urgency as he is set to be an RFA after this season, meaning it is a prove it year if he wants to secure a long-term future with the Islanders. For fantasy purposes, he is likely a wait-and-see option unless he claims a top-six role, but he is only an injury or a hot streak away from relevance. A spot next to Barzal or on the second power play unit could accelerate that path.

At 21, Shabanov has more experience against professional competition by playing in the KHL over most rookies entering the league. He is not signed to be a placeholder on the Isles roster, as he has the tools to contribute meaningfully, both on the scoresheet and to the overall lineup.

Ville Koivunen – Pittsburgh Penguins

Koivunen is positioning himself for a legitimate shot at a permanent role in Pittsburgh. He produced 56 points in 58 games finishing 10^th in scoring last season in the AHL and looked far more confident with the puck. In his eight-game with the Penguins, he posted seven points (all assists), showing he could contribute at the NHL level. He is coming into his final year of his ELC and the timing seems right for him to push for a full-time job on a roster that badly needs fresh offensive talent.

Pittsburgh's depth chart gives Koivunen a clear opportunity. Beyond the core names, the forward group lacks established middle-six wingers, and the organization is actively seeking younger scoring options as Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin near the twilight of their careers. Koivunen's production and poise in both the AHL and NHL last season strengthen his case for a favorable role, and with the Penguins trying to maximize their remaining contention window, internal skill players like him could earn more rope than usual.

Koivunen could be a valuable addition if he earns a spot in Pittsburgh's top six. His game is built on smart decisions and strong playmaking rather than flashy, highlight-reel plays. That steady approach can translate into reliable production, especially if he clicks with a top-tier playmaker. The opportunity is there for him to make a solid impression this upcoming training camp/preseason and his all-around skill set positions him as one of Pittsburgh's more intriguing breakout possibilities.

Zeev Buium – Minnesota Wild

Buium's stock is rising, and the opportunity in Minnesota could accelerate his path to a meaningful NHL role. Signed in April, he was immediately thrown into the spotlight, making his debut in the playoffs.

Minnesota's depth chart is wide open and in desperate need for a puck-moving, intelligent defenseman. Jared Spurgeon and Brock Faber are established at the top, but beyond them the competition is thin. There is no newly signed veteran to block his path and no group of similarly skilled young defenders crowding the lineup. The Wild's quiet approach in free agency suggests they are ready to let Buium compete for minutes right away.

The most likely scenario sees Buium break camp with the team, though Minnesota could still opt for a short early-season trial before making a final decision. For now, let's assume he does. If he shows chemistry with Spurgeon, Faber, or Jake Middleton, he could earn sheltered second-pairing minutes and see time on the first power-play unit. Top powerplay minutes offers immediate fantasy upside in assists, power-play points, and transition metrics. There is a legitimate chance he pushes for full-time minutes as a rookie, similar to Lane Hutson's role in Montreal last year. The difference is context, as Montreal had no playoff pressure, while Minnesota is aiming to contend, which could influence how much freedom Buium is given.

Even with those circumstances, all indicators point to him being more than just a prospect. He looks ready for the NHL and his style fits a pressing need for Minnesota. If he makes the team in a full-time role, he could play a meaningful part in shaping their season.

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.