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

The past two weeks, we have discussed the top Calder Trophy candidates in Part 1 and Part 2. In Part 3, we will discuss some of the less likely options. All of these players have a significant opportunity and could walk away with the trophy, but they have more obstacles in their way and winning would require more things to go their way.

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Sam Rinzel, D – Chicago Blackhawks
Rinzel has the raw tools to be a successful NHL defenseman, size, skating, and puck-moving ability. In his nine-game stint with the Blackhawks in 2024-25, the team went 4-3-2, one of their strongest stretches of the season. According to Evolving Hockey, he posted the best Corsi differential per 60 minutes among Chicago defenders, suggesting he was their top play-driver in that limited sample. Beyond the numbers, Rinzel also has a realistic shot to run the top power play alongside Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar, which would put him in a prime fantasy spot.

Chicago's rebuild may lead them to ease him in with lower-pressure minutes, but the opportunity is there if he proves ready. Short term, his fantasy ceiling is modest, yet the long-term outlook is enticing. Especially considering how great his blocks, shots, and hits (BaSH) was in the NCAA. Dynasty managers should exercise patience, Rinzel has the toolkit to grow into a reliable, multi-category contributor with meaningful offensive value.

Danila Yurov, F – Minnesota Wild
Two seasons ago, in 2023-24, Yurov led Metallurg Magnitogorsk in scoring despite ranking only seventh among the team's forwards in time on ice. His efficiency was a key driver in their championship run, underscoring just how dangerous he can be when given opportunities. When he declined to sign a KHL extension, however, his ice time dropped noticeably in 2024-25, a reminder of how contractual dynamics can shape a young player's development in Russia.

Even with that challenge, Yurov remains one of the most intriguing prospects outside the NHL. His blend of quick hands, offensive creativity, and ability to find seams in coverage makes him a consistent threat in the offensive zone. Should he adapt quickly to North America, he has the upside to push for middle-six minutes and power-play usage. Minnesota has hinted at wanting him to develop down the middle, which could influence his transition timeline. His Calder chances in the short term are slim, but his long-term ceiling is among the highest in this tier, and dynasty managers should be tracking him closely.

Scott Morrow, D – New York Rangers
Morrow joins the Rangers at a tough position for immediate fantasy relevance with Adam Fox locked into the top power-play role. His offensive instincts and puck-moving ability make him a logical option if New York ever needs a replacement, but the team could also turn to another veteran in that scenario. If Morrow does get the nod, his upside on such a talented unit would make him worth a speculative add. Otherwise, his early fantasy impact may be modest, but his long-term development still holds intrigue.

Matthew Schaefer, D – New York Islanders
Schaefer was drafted first overall for his poise, skating, and mature two-way game, and while he projects as a long-term stabilizer on the Islanders' blue line, the transition to the NHL will be steep and the team context does not set him up for immediate Calder contention. It is unlikely he produces enough points right away to stay in the race, but his talent and pedigree mean he could be trusted with big responsibilities quickly, including running the Islanders' top power play. That opportunity, combined with heavy minutes, leaves room for him to surprise.

Arseniy Gritsyuk, F – New Jersey Devils
Gritsyuk brings speed and offensive creativity, traits that stand out even on a stacked Devils roster. He has been productive in the KHL the past several seasons, showing the skill to generate plays in space and put pressure on defenders. The challenge will be carving out a consistent role on a team already loaded with young forwards, but there is an opening in the top six if he can grab it. Landing next to Nico Hischier or Jack Hughes would be a game-changer for his fantasy outlook, giving him immediate upside if the fit clicks.

Lenni Hameenaho, F – New Jersey Devils
If Gritsyuk does not claim the opening in New Jersey's top six, Hämeenaho could step in. A smart, versatile winger, Hämeenaho's game is built on consistency and detail rather than flash. He reads the play well, makes sound decisions, and contributes in all three zones, which could help him slide into a middle-six role and stick. His offensive ceiling is modest, but reliability may earn him opportunity alongside the Devils' stars. It depends on who clicks with the stars and what the team is looking for as a fit.

Logan Mailloux, D – St. Louis Blues
Mailloux should get second power-play time behind Cam Fowler, which gives him a path to early production. His heavy shot and size make him an intriguing option on the man advantage, though his defensive game still needs polish. The Blues' blue line has competition for minutes, and his usage will likely be sheltered at first, limiting his Calder outlook. Still, if Fowler struggles or misses time, Mailloux's stock could rise quickly as a power-play quarterback.

Jani Nyman, F – Seattle Kraken
Nyman impressed in his NHL trial last season and brings one of the best shots on Seattle's roster, a weapon that should earn him power-play time. A big-bodied winger, he uses his frame effectively in the offensive zone and can finish from range or in tight. His skating and consistency still need refinement, and Seattle's forward depth could slow his path to regular minutes. That said, the combination of size and scoring touch gives him intriguing upside once he adjusts fully to the NHL pace.

Luca Cagnoni, D – San Jose Sharks
Cagnoni was excellent in the AHL last season and looked comfortable in his NHL trial, showcasing the poise and puck-moving skill that made him a fast riser in the Sharks' system. His opportunity this year is likely capped by the signing of John Klingberg, who should start as the primary power-play quarterback. However, if Klingberg falters, Cagnoni has the skill set to step into that role and provide immediate fantasy value. His vision and ability to run a power play make him a natural fit in that spot, and his transition game should help him hold his own at even strength.

Thanks for reading! See you next week. For more content/fantasy hockey analysis, or if there's a prospect, topic, or theme you'd like me to cover, follow and message me on X https://x.com/VictorNuno12