Hello everyone, Peter Harling the DobberProspects Managing Editor here pinch hitting for today’s Ramblings. So, lets talk some prospects!

It's the dog days of summer for hockey, the NHL is pretty quiet in terms of news or free agency, but the prospect season seemingly never takes time off. As I write this the Hlinka-Gretzky tournament gold Medal game is playing out with Canada and Czechia. At the same time the WJC summer showcase tournament is also playing out. I am looking forward to discussing these tournaments on some upcoming DobberProspects Report podcasts with Chris Peters from FloHockey and Steve Ellis from Daily Faceoff who are both following these events closely.

Checking in on the Hlinka which unofficially kicks off the 2024 draft class scouting season, it always reveals some players to watch. Like any tournament, it is a small sample size and should be taken with a grain of salt. Players that standout can improve their draft and fantasy stock, but if they are less impressive, keep in mind it is just a short tournament. However, in the case of a breakout performance can really give a player a leg up on his draft rankings. So, wo has been impressive?

Adam Titlbach, C – Czechia

The 5-9, 165-pound center has been one of the best players for Czechia who have returned to the Gold Medal game. He scored four goals and seven points to lead Czechia into the Gold Medal game vs Canada and despite his stature, his IQ and puck skill have been very impressive.

You can't stop Adam Titlbach. He just made it 7-1 Czechia. #HlinkaGretzkyCup pic.twitter.com/KSizhzSckk

— Steven Ellis (@SEllisHockey) August 4, 2023

Titlback will be heading to the WHL for his draft year to play with the Vancouver Giants where he should be a subject of focus for the scouting community.

Adam Benak, C – Czechia

The linemate for Titlbach that is pacing him in scoring is 16-year-old Benak and is not draft eligible until 2025. Size will be the issue with this player as he is only 5-6, and 141-pounds. He has plenty of time to grow and get stronger, which he most certainly will need, but if he does his potential to be a special player is very promising.

Berkly Catton, F – Canada

The WHL is going to have a strong draft year if this tournament is an indication of things to come. Catton could be the tournament MVP as he is tied for the lead in points with nine through four games. His rookie season in the WHL with the Spokane Chiefs was impressive with 23 goals and 55 points. He was also named Captain for Team Canada Red at the U17 where he had 12 points in seven games. What has impressed about Catton in this tournament is how he has not only been a consistent scorer, but he has been a clutch scorer. That is a trait that scouts really look for.

Ryder Ritchie, RW – Canada

Perhaps the player that improved his draft stock the most in this tournament from Canada is Ritchie. He has size at 6-0, 174-pounds. His motor and work ethic have been impressive and he has continued ti improve as the games progress

Ryder Ritchie is a potential first-round pick for the 2024 #NHLDraft.

He had a goal and an assist yesterday in Canada's #HlinkaGretzkyCup pre-tournament game against Czechia. He wore #14.

He had 55 points with Prince Albert last year. pic.twitter.com/ZTvvf0XWH5

— Steven Ellis (@SEllisHockey) July 30, 2023

Roger McQueen, F – Canada

A late birthday of October second will push the 16-year-old to the 2025 draft class, but he has had a breakout performance with seven points in four games. Look for McQueen to carry this confidence into his sophomore year in the WHL where he should annihilate his rookie point totals of four goals and 14 points in 55 games.

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Moving on to the World Junior Summer showcase:

Lane Hutson, D – Montreal Canadiens

The legend of Lane Hutson is only just beginning. After a dominant freshman season at Boston U. I think Hutson is going to take another big step forward at the WJC with USA and become an elite prospect if his not already one. His poise with the puck is exceptional, he has superstar vision and skill and despite being a little undersized look for him to develop into an elite offensive and fantasy defenseman in the NHL in a year or two.

Lane Hutson just scored one of the most ridiculous ones we've seen him pull off.

6-0 USA. pic.twitter.com/dQm2rKqLUV

— Steven Ellis (@SEllisHockey) August 1, 2023

Frank Nazar, C – Chicago Blackhawks

Don't forget about the Hawks 2022 first round pick. Nazar missed all but 13 games in his D+1 season as a freshman at the University of Michigan due to injury. He had a statement tournament leading the tournament in scoring with eight points in four games. He will play a full season in the NCAA but could be ready to join Connor Bedard in Chicago as soon as this March.

James Hagens, C – 2025

Here is a name you want on your radar, James Hagens is a 16-year-old center with the USNTDP and he did not look out of place with Team USA. Hagens played between Cutter Gauthier and Jimmy Snoggerud and did not look out of place. The future 2025 first round prospect could potentially make Team USA despite their depth and talent; he is that good. Hagens has not committed to where he will play in his draft year as he could choose where in the NCAA he wants to go, or he could go the OHL route and play for the London Knights.

Filip Bystedt, C – San Jose Sharks

Bystedt already had his coming out party at the 2022 WJC where he scored 10 points in seven games. He is eligible to return again and was a force at the Showcase highlighted by a first period hat-trick.

FIlip Bystedt has a hat trick in the first period for Sweden. 3-1. #WJSS pic.twitter.com/Z6BDDHRpMK

— Steven Ellis (@SEllisHockey) August 4, 2023

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Some dynasty leagues are gearing up for draft and prospect drafts, and with that in mind I thought I would take a look at some deep dive dynasty prospects for all you hard core players.

Nikolai Kovalenko, LW/RW – Colorado Avalanche

The Avalanche have signed their 2018 sixth round pick to a two-year ELC. The team has loaned him back to his KHL club team where he remains under contract as well. Kovalenko is the son of former NHL forward Andrei (AK-47) and was a top scorer in the KHL last year posting 54 points in 56 games. When the KHL season ends expect Nikolai to make his NHL debut with the Avalanche. Kovalenko may be the most interesting player coming over from Europe this year. We have seen a lot of hype on European imports over the years with more misses than hits, Nikita Gusev, Vadim Shipashev. But there has been some big hit as well such as Artemi Panerin and Andrei Kuzmenko as recently as last year. So, what is Kovalenko? That is the subject of debate. Former DobberProspects Managing Editor is optimistic that he can be as good or better than Kuzmenko.

Development is a tricky thing – especially over in the KHL.

But I watched a ton of Andrei Kuzmenko as he was coming up with SKA and Nikolai Kovalenko is clearly ahead at the same age.

He *could* become a real asset for the Avs.

— /Cam Robinson/ (@Hockey_Robinson) July 25, 2023

Byron Bader is not as convinced, suggesting that at 23-years-old his KHL breakout is too little, too late.

Nikolai Kovalenko was nearly a point-per-game player in the KHL (the second best league in the world) this year but it might be coming to late.

Nearly 100% of the Russians who looked similar to him from their D-1 to D+3 didn't make the NHL.

Andrei Nikolishin and Roman… https://t.co/QozRls9lks pic.twitter.com/g2nh7y4QGn

— Byron Bader (@ByronMBader) July 25, 2023

Ultimately time will tell, but I think that he could step into the Avalanche roster in a top nine role heading into the playoffs at the end of the year. For a player you can add in a late round pick or as a free agent and stash on your prospect bench, the upside value for the cost is well worth it. The Avalanche are a strong offensive team, but there is opportunity for Kovalenko, especially on the left wing.

Alex Texier, C – Columbus Blue Jackets

Remember Texier? After taking a year leave to play is Switzerland for personal reasons he is coming back to the NHL. Texier is versatile and can play center or the wing. He has some untapped offensive upside and showed flashes of it in his last tour with the Blue Jackets when he scored 14 points in 19 games when an injury to Patrik Laine provided an opportunity. He could be a sneaky good add to your fantasy roster if he is available.

Ty Kartye, C/LW – Seattle Kraken

On one hand I am really enthusiastic for Kartye. The undrafted free agent signing by the savvy Kraken payed early dividends. The AHL Rookie of the Year posted 57 points in 72 games with Coachella. But what really impressed me was the five points in ten NHL playoff games he scored with the Kraken. Making the Seattle roster will be difficult as the Kraken have very good depth. It may take an injury, and he may need to best Shane Wright for the job, but it is not out of the realm of possibilities and the upside could be sweet.

WELCOME TO THE SHOW TYE KARTYE🚨 pic.twitter.com/lcmni9PnIx

— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) April 27, 2023

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This year's class of NCAA Free Agents is looking pretty weak. Some of the names that could be fantasy relevant have a limited ceiling and may take a year or two before they become full time NHL players. Nevertheless, here are a few of the top prospects coming from college.

Jake Livingstone, D – Nashville Predators

Is there an NHL team that is better at drafting and developing defensemen than Nashville? The 24-year-old defender is clearly this years headliner as the 24-year-old, 6-3, 205-pound right shot defender was highly coveted. The two-time CCHA Champion and Defenseman of the Year winner played three years with Mankato and posted 35 points in 39 games as a junior. He will be hard pressed to crack the Predators blueline this year and should be assigned to the AHL, but he could be one of the first players recalled. His value increases in leagues with peripheral stats.

Akito Hirose, D – Vancouver Canucks

Another defensive product of Mankato signing as a free is the younger brother of Detroit's Taro, also a former college free agent. Minnesota State is a defensive juggernaut and Livingstone and Hirose have been the towers of power there the past three seasons. Hirose recorded 26-, and 27-point seasons the past two years in 38 games in each. While his offensive production in college was consistent, I don't see him being a top four or power play guy in the NHL. He had a seven-game cup of coffee at the end of the season with the Canucks and had three assists in that audition. The Canucks retooled their defense however in the off season so count on Hirose starting in the AHL.

Some other names to keep an eye on include Hunter McKown with the Columbus Blue Jackets, he also had a cup of coffee in the NHL and showed his size and skill. He has a non-stop motor and is the kind of player I can see will his way into the NHL. Ryan McAllister was one of the NCAA leading scorers all season long playing at Western Michigan as a 21-year-old freshman. He dominated the AJHL the season prior to the tune of 139 points in 60 games and then scored 49 points in 39 games as a NCAA freshman. He is an older player for the AJHL and as a freshman, so it remains to be seen how he does as a rookie in the AHL. If he continues to score there, his path to the NHL in the Panthers woeful prospect system should be quick and easy.

That's it for today, for more prospect talk make sure to check in at DobberProspects as we continue to roll through our summer 32 series. In August we are looking at each team's prospect depth, ranking the top 20, risers and fallers as well as graduates. Its great fantasy analysis.