Welcome back to The Journey.

We are fast approaching the closing stretch of the season, which indicates exciting times – NCAA ELC signings for prospect enthusiasts. Drafted or free agent, prospects are signing their names on the dotted line and making that pivotal decision to make the transition into pro hockey as we speak.

So far, we have seen a good number of prospects sign, all ranging from elite to depth-chart helping hands. While the vast majority end up gaining reps in the minor system, every so often we see a pure player step right into the NHL, becoming fantasy relevant immediately.

While I do foresee the majority of this year's group to begin the year in the AHL, there are a few who could enjoy some NHL game time. Whether it's a few games, or an entire stint, as a fantasy owner, it's always encouraging to get a good glimpse before beheading into the off-season.

Here is this year's signed crop, thus far.

Cole Caufield, RW, Canadiens

Coming in fresh off a dominant sophomore campaign, Caufield is officially signed and ready to transition to the pro level. Through 31 games, the 20-year-old produced a nation-leading 30 goals and 52 points, a total that no Wisconsin Badger had hit since Derek Stepan in the 2009-10 campaign (54 points). Obviously, his efforts have awarded him a spot as a Hobey Baker finalist, a title which he is likely to win. 

Treading along the middle of the pack with regards to goal-scoring, the Canadiens certainly hold players worthy of filling the net. However, none of which hold the trigger and pin-point accuracy that Caufield carries. He could fill in some (necessary) immediate secondary, or perhaps frontline, goal-scoring needs in order to propel them into a post-season run. Of course, with a few weeks remaining, the organization does have time to showcase him at the AHL level to assure he is ready for the task. 

If his transition goes as smooth as I predict it to go, the 5-7 winger could be beating goaltenders at the NHL by the season's end. Even in semi-shallow fantasy formats, he could become relevant immediately. 

David Farrance, D, Predators

As is the case for some NCAA skaters, Farrance elected to see out his entire four-year eligibility with the Boston University Terriers. Rightfully so, Predators fans were handed a sweat when he failed to sign an ELC last summer. Would he become the next Jimmy Vesey? It's always a possibility. 

Ultimately, it worked out, and the team was able to commit him and sign him to his first NHL contract. 

The 21-year-old defender brings a ton – and I mean a ton – of offensive upside. He shows great poise when transitioning the puck, and when his legs get going, his rushes are extremely impressive. Of course, he will learn in a short time that end-to-end runs are going to be a risky play at the pro level. The majority of his threats stem from the man-advantage. Of course, with Roman Josi managing the backend, he may have to settle for PP2 for some time. He is a natural quarterback and has the utmost awareness to create non-stop opportunities from the blueline. 

Much like many on this list, his days will likely begin in the American League. However, keep a close watch on the club's trade deadline transitions, more specifically, Mattias Ekholm. If we see any movement to the club's left-side, he could be promoted in the blink of an eye. 

Cam York, D, Flyers

Unfortunately due to a Covid outbreak, we were unable to witness the Michigan Wolverines go for a deep Frozen Four run – which, they likely would have. Instead, one of the nation’s most potent clubs were sent home empty-handed, effectively putting a stop to many strong prospects' campaigns. For Cam York, that puts a wrap on his NCAA career, where he complied 36 points over two seasons. 

The Flyers 2019 first-rounder is a mobile, two-way defenceman who brings a little pinch of everything to the table. He finds teammates as well as any, knows how to get pucks through, and most notably, possesses terrific awareness on the ice. 

The club's defense has been mediocre, at best, this season and with them sitting two points out (with a few extra games played), the club could find themselves in a tough spot in the coming weeks. It's certainly no guarantee, but this could line up for a potential audition earlier than expected.

Alex Newhook, F, Avalanche

With a combination of Covid, injuries, and a WJC run, Newhook's sophomore year at Boston College was limited. 12 games, to be exact. Yet, he still managed to put up 16 points with an additional six points (in six games) with Team Canada during the holidays. 

The 20-year-old Newfoundlander is a nuisance on the ice. He has a non-stop motor, which he emphasizes with his tremendous skating ability. To top it off, he is a treat to watch in the offensive zone with a thirsty, "score at all cost" type of attitude. The kid can shoot the puck, by the way. 

Personally, I do feel that his skill set is ready for NHL deployment. However, given the club's forward heavy roster, and the fact that they sit comfortably in the standings, I do foresee him remaining in the minors to close out the season. This will allow him to climatize to the pros, and set himself up to push for a permanent spot on next year's roster sheet. 

Spencer Knight, G, Panthers

Knight, a gold medal-winning netminder, continued to show just how dominant he can be during the 2020-21 campaign. Following a dominant 23-8-2 freshman campaign, the 19-year-old posted a 16-4-2 sophomore year, which included a 5-1-0 (plus three shutouts) WJC performance. 

All of this promise and yet, he finds himself stuck in a jam-logged depth chart. Taking up $10 million on the payroll, veteran goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky is a permanent resident among that crease. Not to mention Chris Driedger, who decided to have himself a very promising season and is quickly becoming a popular option in Sunrise. 

The only way I see Knight squeezing in this year is if the club decides to move some pieces at the deadline. Even then, it’s a definite “maybe” and more likely "no". The future is bright, make no mistakes about it. Yet, I think it's safe to say that the short-term is almost non-existent (fantasy-wise). 

Matt Boldy, LW, Wild

Boldy brings a mixed bag of offensive skill that the Wild could probably use. Perhaps even immediately. With the club currently sitting 16th in goal-scoring and dead last on the powerplay, it's no secret that they could use a boost as they gear up for a playoff run.

The main issue, much like Newhook, is finding a roster spot. The club's left side is currently spoken for, and quite nicely, if I may add. Of course, there could be some juggling to be done, but it does seem like he falls on the outside of the short-term plans. 

He has great playmaking ability and should find a cozy home on the club's top-six. Perhaps alongside Kirill Kaprizov, which would make him fantasy gold. 

Additional signings:

Dylan Holloway, F, Oilers

He has not signed, yet. However, should he do so, is likely the most "NHL ready" player among this year's crop. He is fantasy relevant in basically all formats and brings skill, grit, and a wonderful motor. Keep an eye out. 

Jacob Bernard-Docker, D, Senators

A right-handed, two-way defender who has top-four written all over him.

Jordan Kawaguchi, C, Stars

A 23-year-old free-agent signed on a professional PTO. The kid knows how to produce points, with 126 points over 136 games span – including 36 this season in just 28 appearances. He is someone to keep an eye on in dynasty formats. 

Shane Pinto, C, Senators

A hard-working pivot with NHL-ready size. Projects to be a solid middle-six option on a very potent Sens roster. He continued his strong NCAA career with 15 goals and 32 points over his sophomore season. 

Thanks for joining me. Catch me @hall1289 for more prospect updates.