Welcome back to The Journey. 

I’ve mentioned it a few times now, but if you are a prospect enthusiast and haven’t checked out an AHL game, do yourself a favor. The league is as healthy as it's ever been and jam-packed with tremendous young talent. 

Not only are these prospects playing in the league, but the kids have taken over. The majority of the league's top producers are under the age of 22, and three of the top-10 leading scorers are in the early stages of their rookie campaigns.

Here is a list of stand-out performers.

Michael Bunting, LW/RW, Coyotes

To quote his DobberProspects profile "A hard-working winger who models his game after Brad Marchand. He's had the pest part down now the offense is starting to show. Could be a solid bottom-six winger in the NHL soon". 

Well, not only is he leading the AHL in points early on with seven (4G +3A), but he has been in the top three in team scoring for four years now, firing at a 0.63 clip. On top of that, he has compiled 273 penalty minutes along the way. 

If he can somehow crack a spot in the NHL, he brings an obvious mix of skill and truculence to a lineup. Perhaps it is time to start giving this kid a solid look?

Seth Jarvis, C/RW, Hurricanes

Many assumed (myself included) that Jarvis would head back to the WHL to continue his dominance once the season had commenced. Well, just two weeks into his pro career and it looks like the Portland Winterhawks may have to look for a new top scorer. He looks right at home with seven points out the gate, which includes four goals, three assists, and a plus-four rating. 

How about this pass?

Seth Jarvis extends his season-long point streak to five games and 7 points with an assist on this play

The Canes 2020 1st rounder has been full value in the AHL early on this season. pic.twitter.com/vkkliEFVp9

— /Cam Robinson/ (@Hockey_Robinson) February 17, 2021

The 19-year-old's speedy, hard-nosed style has translated seamlessly, and he has demonstrated a little bit of both in the way he is producing points. With the line-up in Raleigh set, I do not foresee Jarvis seeing any time with the Hurricanes this year. However, if he continues to play strong, gets to those dirty areas, and continues his current production rate, there is a chance he forces their hand.

Trevor Zegras, C, Ducks

To the surprise of none, Zegras has transitioned to the pro level with absolute ease. While he has displayed his above-average skill in the past, his stock went through the roof over the holidays when he delivered a stellar WJC performance as the unanimous tournament MVP. 

If you placed a wager on him entering the AHL somewhat timid and holding back some of his offensive flairs, think again. Right out the gate, he was shifting through the ice, setting up teammates like he has been doing it for years and of course, trying maneuvers that only a player with his skill set would attempt. 

Like a Michigan in his first game, perhaps?

Trevor Zegras fake Michigan attempt to assist. So creative. pic.twitter.com/0h5BhbqHji

— World Hockey Report (@worldhockeyrpt) February 6, 2021

Zegras' points-per-game pace, although early, combined with his incredible confidence in the offensive zone serve as clear indicators that he is ready to take on more. I would not be surprised in the slightest to see him sporting a Ducks logo in the near future. Keep your waiver wire hands in ready – he is a must-add. 

Rasmus Kupari, C, Kings

Gabe Vilardi, Jaret Anderson-Dolan, Carl Grundstrom, Blake Lizotte, and Austin Wagner – do the Kings have room for another youngster upfront? If so, Rasmus Kupari has put in his bid as next in line. The 21-year-old Finn leads the league in points with eight (1G + 7A) and is enjoying top-six deployment on a very young, exciting, and skilled Ontario Reign club. 

In just eight games, he has already matched his previous point totals from his rookie pro season (last year), where it took him 27 to reach. In the past, he has been compared to be a mix of Jesse Puljujarvi and Sebastian Aho, so his point totals should come as no surprise. However, given the list of budding talent within the organization, his name tends to be left out of most conversation pieces. Keep a close eye. 

Joachim Blichfeld, RW/LW, Sharks

The San Jose Sharks are in a tough spot as an organization, and those struggles trickle down into their depth charts. Luckily, there are a few bright spots, and so far, Blichfeld has been one of them. Last season, as a rookie, he posted solid numbers with 32 points over 44 games. It looks like he's let that spill over into this season as he currently sits with six points. 

As per usual with young offensive players, his defensive efforts are an aspect of his game that is considered a "work in progress", and an area that likely stands in his way to becoming a full-time NHLer. However, given where the club is at, they may see value in an offensive asset.

Philip Tomasino, C, Predators

As if COVID hasn't made enough aspects of the game weird, but Philip Tomasino, a Nashville prospect, is currently skating on a line with Seth Jarvis, a Carolina Hurricanes product. With teams opting out of the season, the two affiliates have joined forces, and now sports members of both to up make the Chicago Wolves. Tomasino, a Swiss-army knife type, is off to the races early in his pro career with three goals and six points.

It's no secret that Nashville has been struggling as of late. Could they use a young, talented producer like Tomasino? Perhaps. However, the likely outcome is that he and Jarvis remain in Chicago and continue to grow together, even though they will be enemies in a short time. 

Riley Damiani, C, Stars

The speedy pivot is off to a hot start, leading his Texas Stars in points with two goals and six points. I wouldn’t get too excited for the short term, as I don’t foresee Damiani making an impact at the NHL level just yet. Yet, his progression over the previous few seasons, and now into his pro career is something to keep close on your watchlist.

Jamie Drysdale, D, Ducks

Jamie Drysdale, this year’s sixth overall pick, is an offensive defender through and through and he has proven early on why. His six points lead all defenders in the league, let alone rookies, and is already logging important minutes with the Gulls. 

His ability to create space for himself is something we do not see in everyday defenders. He holds tremendous vision and awareness and can skate as well as the next. 

Jamie Drysdale snaps home his first as a Gull.#FlyTogether pic.twitter.com/7xKEB5oc06

— Dave Hall (@hall1289) February 7, 2021

While it makes sense to keep him down to log heavy minutes and grow as a pro, he is going to make life difficult for the decision makers if he continues to look this competent as a pro.

Additional prospects worth a mention;

Lukas Dostal, G, Ducks – 5-1-0 / 2.61 GAA / 0.933% 

Samuel Bolduc, D, Islanders – 2G-3A-5PTS

Thomas Harley, D, Stars – 2G-3A-5PTS

Peyton Krebs, C/LW, Golden Knights – 1G-4A-5PTS

Michael Vukojevic, D, Devils – 1G-4A-5PTS

Jan Jeník, W/C, Coyotes – 1G-4A-5PTS

Lukas Jasek, RW/C, Canucks – 1G-4A-5PTS

Oskari Laaksonen, D, Sabres – 0G-5A-5PTS

Kole Lind, RW, Canucks – 4G-0A-4PTS

Thanks again for joining me for another week. Follow me on Twitter @hall1289 for prospect updates.