Welcome back. Over the past few weeks, I have focused on Dobber's rankings lists, as I know fantasy draft season is well upon us. So far, I have covered goalies, defenders, and part one of a long list of forwards. If you missed them, make sure to check them out.

• Goaltenders
• Defenceman
• Forwards – Part one

This week, I will cover the second half of the forward group and which will wrap up my keeper series. For this list, I have veered off from my usual Top 200 Forwards Prospect Rankings (which was just updated in December) and focused my attention on the Top 300 Keeper Skaters Rankings.

Here are your final prospects.

Philip Tomasino, C, Predators (Keeper Rank: 247)

Tomasino falls under the usual category of "too good for the CHL, but maybe not quite up to NHL caliber, yet".  As a result, the annual question that surrounds many prospects will be asked – will he play in the NHL or will they be sent back to the OHL to basically wreak havoc in the junior system? He is certainly a strong player and with 196 points at the junior level, has nothing left to prove. It is a shame that there are no secondary options. 

The extended rosters should assist his odds of making the club out of camp, and he will likely fight for a spot between Eeli Tolvanen and Yakov Trenin, assuming they would move Tomasino to the wing. At the very least, a nine-game stint poses as another realistic option – whatever that may look like with the new shortened season.

He’s a Swiss-army knife type of player, and while he may not provide instant fantasy implications as a sheltered rookie, should be a strong performer at the NHL level in just a few short seasons. 

Grigori Denisenko, LW, Panthers (Keeper Rank: 249)

His ELC deal is officially signed and Denisenko will be heading to Sunrise to compete for his first taste of NHL action. Looking at the roster, it looks as if they kept a spot open for him, likely on the club's third line. With the shortened season, I do expect him to stick with the club, rather than an AHL stint. At least at first, just to see if he passes the Russian style translation test. With no exhibition games, leashes may be short, though.

The Panthers have struggled to find success with their prospect as of late, so they will want to make sure to treat this one with care. He is a dynamic player, who carries a nice mix of offensive skill and a hint of grit, which should help out his transition to an NHL system. The second-unit power play is certainly in the cards in the short-term but could spend the majority of his time in the bottom-six at even strength. The top-six should be Owen Tippett's spot to lose, for now.

Vitali Kravtsov, RW , Rangers (Keeper Rank: 253)

While he has not exploded in the points department during his first full season in Tractor (KHL), Kravtsov is playing sound hockey and has taken some nice strides towards his overall two-way game. Already a solid offensive threat with NHL-ready size, his growth among his defensive efforts should come as a welcomed addition for fans and fantasy owners alike.

It has been speculated that the 21-year-old will remain in Russia for the remainder of the season, in which case, owners may not see any immediate benefits. Of course, there is still an opportunity for him to join the club prior to his KHL year, it's just a matter if the team will want to inject him in immediately. He continues to hold top-six potential.

Jason Robertson, RW, Stars (Keeper Rank: 254)

With Tyler Seguin out for a good chunk of time, the Stars could use some secondary scoring and Robertson is a strong candidate to be the man for the job. There have been questions regarding his skating, which certainly needs some improvement. Yet, his ability to create offense should have him in contention for immediate deployment. The club does carry a few strong prospects down the pipe but is slightly lacking on the wing, giving Robertson the instant edge. 

It didn’t take long for him to prove his worth at the pro level last year, firing 47 points through 60 games – good for fifth among rookie skaters (first on the team). Much like his brother in Toronto, there’s potential for him to step into the league and create an immediate buzz. Do not be surprised to see him land a top-six at some point.

Cody Glass, C, Golden Knights (Keeper Rank: 259)

Now healthy, this season could be a boomer for the second-year prospect. With the club moving on from Paul Stastny, it looks like Glass has been given the green light to assume second-line center duties. If so, look out for him to make an instant splash, as he is a potential points-only beast.  

Make sure you swing for the fences with him. He could see a decent spike in his points-per-game.

Alex Newhook, C, Avalanche (Keeper Rank: 261)

Newhook has committed to playing for Boston College for at least one more year, so his short-term outlook is non-existent. However, he is undoubtedly the organization’s top prospect upfront and could contest for a spot immediately in the 2021-22 campaign. He certainly shows top-six upside. 

Look for to play a large for with Team Canada in this year’s WJC.

Samuel Poulin, LW, Penguins (Keeper Rank: 266)

Poulin was left off this year’s Team Canada roster (WJC), which was a major shock for me. I have been an advocate for him to potentially make an impact in the NHL right out of camp this season. However, being left off the playoff bubble squad, and now Team Canada certainly has me rethinking my original wager.

Of course, he continues to be the club's top prospect, and is not far from NHL deployment, should he fall shy of that goal this year. He is a heavy-set power forward, who can step in and be a nice compliment to the Pens top-six. He could add some value in various categories..

Eeli Tolvanen, LW, Predators (Keeper Rank: 270)

Tolvanen is currently in Jokerit on a COVID stint in the KHL, where he boasts 13 points through 25 matches. Everyone knows the story by now, the question is, can he refine his game and finally translate his past successes to the NHL level. While I do see Nashville giving him his shot to do so this year, the trend is surely veering towards no. 

He carries a heavy shot, capable of finding the net at any level. However, his ability to create room on the small ice surface has hindered his ability to utilize that weapon. That does not take away from his potential to be a threat, so if he does end up making the team, expect him to play somewhere among their top-nine and certainly special teams. At this point, he remains a big gamble for fantasy owners. 

Vasily Podkolzin, RW, Canucks (Keeper Rank: 272)

He is currently tied down to his contract with SKA St. Petersburg but is capable of heading over to North America the moment he unties his skates for his final game. This indicates that Podkolzin could join the Canucks as early as February, but would likely spill into March or even April – depending on how deep they run. If so, there is potential for him to walk-on and see instant minutes among the club's top-nine rotation. 

The 19-year-old has been put in an interesting spot throughout his year in Russia and has been receiving the short end of the stick in regards to playing time. Yet, when in the lineup, he seems to contribute well. Hopefully, he can get to Vancouver as soon as possible and begin his proper development journey. 

He should be a top producer in this year’s WJC.

Matthew Boldy, LW, Wild (Keeper Rank: 275)

He is having a great year in the NCAA so far, and his shot looks deadlier than ever. He is committed to college for the year but could contest for a full-time spot during the 2021-22 campaign.

Boldy has a strong offensive nature and will join a very strong group of young producers. Considering the club's trajectory, Boldy carries the potential to produce good numbers once he breaks into the league.

He will suit up for Team USA at this year’s WJC.

Alex Turcotte, C, Kings (Keeper Rank: 277)

There has been quite a build-up towards Turcotte's arrival since being selected in the 2019 Entry Draft. However, since the Byfield selection, some of the pressure has been taken off for him to ride in on a white horse. For me, the addition of Byfield is very beneficial for Alex, as it should alleviate some of the expectations to become the club's top-producing pivot – which he could certainly still be. He will now have room to flourish in his natural two-way environment. 

Jesse Puljujarvi, RW, Oilers (Keeper Rank: 278)

The Pul-party is officially making its way back to Edmonton, following a year-and-a-half stint with Karpat (Liiga). He recently re-upped his (NHL) contract and will look to rekindle his relationship with the Oilers and compete for a role on the club's top-nine. 

He may not be living up to his previous elite/top-four status. However, he continues to be a candidate for top-six deployment on an NHL roster. I expect the Oilers to slot him in the lineup out of camp, and if he performs, the possibility of him jumping into a point-producing role among their top-six becomes very real. The journey continues.

Arthur Kaliyev, LW, King’s (Keeper Rank: 282)

Kaliyev has been a very strong producer at the junior level, posting 248 over three seasons with the Hamilton Bulldogs. In fact, if there weren’t some concerns surrounding his engagement on the ice and overall work ethic, his skill set would definitely be worthy of a first-round selection – rather than his second-round landing spot. 

He will need some time to stew and likely spend a year or two in the American League, however, there is definite offensive upside looming on the left side.

Noel Gunler, RW, Hurricanes (Keeper Rank: 286)

A true goal-scorer. Yet, still some years away from making any splash at the NHL level. Go long with him, but be very happy with your investment. 

Mavrik Bourque, C, Stars (Keeper Rank: 289)

Yet another long-term investment, but could make a challenge for 2021-22 – but more likely 2022-23.

Alex Barre-Boulet, RW, Lightning (Keeper Rank: 294)

The Lightning are in a bit of a cap crunch and may be forced to say au revoir to a few players. This opens up some slots for cheap ELC prospects, one of which could very well be Alex Barre-Boulet. The 23-year-old has managed to translate his game well into the AHL level, following a strong five year junior career. Through two years with the Syracuse Crunch, he has been among the top-six in league scoring consecutively, one of which included a dominant rookie season where he took home Rookie of the Year honors. He has a total of 124 points so far. 

These totals make the Quebec native a clear candidate for a promotion and could fall somewhere among their middle six. 

Owen Tippett, RW, Panthers (Keeper Rank: 295)

As previously mentioned, there should be a spot for Owen Tippett on the Panthers and it should fall in a spot that allows him an opportunity to succeed. They have taken the slow role with him, letting him develop for three years. He finally broke out of his shell and made the jump to the pros last year. Despite being a rookie, he led his team (Springfield) in both goals (19) and points (40), as well as SOG, with 124. 

He is a pure goal-scorer with a wicked release and a hankering for throwing shots on net. His size is NHL ready, as is his skating. Owners should be blessed with a variety of benefits with him in the lineup.

*****

Thank you again for following The Journey, and I hope you all have a very happy and safe holiday. 

@hall1289