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

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This week, I wanted to spotlight some NHL prospects who've taken significant steps in their development, and what those strides could mean for their immediate futures. The players featured looked to have secured their spot in the lineup, or shown impressive production recently. Each one has a lot to look forward to as the season progresses, and all are poised to put together solid campaigns at the pro level.

The focus today is on prospects who've stepped into larger roles than they're used to, due to injuries sidelining key players on their teams or just an uptick in their deployment based on strong play. In these brief windows, they have proven they can make an impact. These players come with pedigree, and while the sample size may be small, it's certainly worth keeping an eye on their progress.

Marco Kasper – LW

Detroit Red Wings

Kasper has quickly emerged as one of the NHL’s most intriguing rookies since joining the Red Wings’ top line under Todd McLellan. The 20-year-old has slotted in seamlessly with captain Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond, racking up 12 points in 19 games, including seven in his last eight. What has made him successful is hardnosed style of play, getting in the corners and creating room for his teammates. He has all the makings of a prototypical hockey player – gritty, adaptable, and relentless.

If this role sticks, he could be a sneaky asset in deeper fantasy leagues, especially when the Wings' schedule is stacked and down the line, he could challenge for Detroit’s second-line centre role.

In 49 games with the Red Wings this season, Kasper has tallied nine goals and 11 assists. While his goal numbers are solid for his first year in the NHL, his shooting metrics suggest he is not a primary scoring option just yet. Instead, he is deferring to his linemates quite often. Who wouldn't if you have Larkin and Raymond to dish passes to. That said, his 86 hits also reveal a player who brings plenty of physicality, making him a potential strong contributor in the peripheral stats department.

Okayyyy Marco Kasper 😮‍💨🔥 pic.twitter.com/vcPSpABKZi

— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) December 1, 2024

On special teams, Kasper's role has been somewhat limited in his first year, with just four power-play points and an average of just over a minute per game on the power play. However, since being bumped up to the top unit, we have seen a noticeable uptick in his overall production. This could be a temporary spike, as the Red Wings' coaching staff might opt to tweak the line as the season heads into the stretch, especially with a player like Patrick Kane potentially vying for that top-line spot. At them moment it looks as if McLellan has shown no signs of breaking up this trio just yet.  Since taking over on December 28, the Red Wings have gone from last in the East to a playoff wildcard spot. Since Kasper's promotion to the top line in the new year, Kasper has notched 13 of his 20 points on the season.

Although we ae looking at a very small sample size, there's a lot to like here. Kasper is starting to shape up as a resilient, defensively responsible player. This is just his first year in the NHL, and with improved shooting and more ice time, it's clear he is quickly making a case for himself as a top-six talent on the Red Wings. If he keeps this up, he's on pace for a 40+ point season. That's impressive for a rookie and definitely someone to keep an eye on as he heads into the latter half of the season.

Kent Johnson – C/LW/RW

Columbus Blue Jackets

If Johnson is not already on your fantasy radar, it may be time to jump on the bandwagon before someone else snatches him up. At just 22 years old, Johnson is making the most of an expanded role with the Columbus Blue Jackets, and the results are impossible to ignore. He has improved from a 0.38 to a 0.85 points-per-game pace this season. He’s played nearly the same number of games as last season but has already surpassed his previous scoring pace, an impressive leap from a year derailed by a torn labrum that limited him to just 16 points in 42 games.  

Fast forward to this season, and in 41 games, Johnson has already posted 35 points (16 goals, 19 assists). His shooting percentage has soared to 20.5%, a significant increase from last season's 9.7%, and his ice time has also jumped, going from 13:33 last year to 17:21 this season. A clear sign the coaching staffs trust in him is growing, and with injuries to key players like Kirill Marchenko (broken jaw) and Sean Monahan (setback in recovery), Johnson's role is likely to expand even further.

KENT JOHNSON!! TWO GOALS IN 2:27!! ✌️ pic.twitter.com/pVjVinrWOu

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— NHL (@NHL) December 9, 2024

With Marchenko and Monahan sidelined, Johnson also has an opportunity on the power play. He's already chipped in 10 power-play points this season, and with Monahan out of the mix (typically a net-front presence), Marchenko sidelined on the wing, Johnson could see even more time with the man advantage and increased responsibility overall. His playmaking ability and vision have been standout qualities, and with a larger role, it's realistic to think his production could hit a 60-point pace by the end of the season.

Johnson's growth in Columbus has been steady but undeniable. With more ice time, improved shot generation, and his ability to control play in the offensive zone, he's rapidly becoming a top-six forward. As his opportunities expand, particularly in key situations like the power play and alongside top wingers, he is in a prime position to finish the season strong and establish himself as a major contributor for the Blue Jackets. If he's still available in your league, now's the time to make your move—he is set to be a big factor down this season and beyond.

Kent Johnson Spin-O-Rama and hits the crowd with the 'ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?!' celly 🔥🌀pic.twitter.com/OOsQsYcAyZ

— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) February 5, 2025

Thomas Harley – D

Dallas Stars

Harley has quietly taken another step forward for the Dallas Stars this season, building on the momentum from last year. Through 51 games, he has accumulated 26 points (7 goals, 19 assists), putting him on pace for 42, just a slight dip from his 47-point effort last year, but still a solid showing for a young defenseman. His offensive game remains steady, and while his power-play time has risen to 33.2%, the production has not quite caught up, with only four power-play points to his name.

The culprit? Miro Heiskanen. As the anchor of Dallas' power play, Heiskanen has long dominated the minutes. While the Stars' forwards share power-play time more evenly, it's a different story for defensemen. Heiskanen has been firmly in control and it has always been a tough assignment for Harley to dislodge Heiskanen from that top spot.

Thomas Harley from the Dallas Stars has proved already that the last season wasn't a fluke. Harley is definitely a 1st pairing defenseman. Maybe even an elite defenseman. That's how good he is. pic.twitter.com/r6nvqsRj5O

— Rono (@RonoAnalyst) February 3, 2025

Interestingly, you would think with Heiskanen dominating the power-play icetime, that would translate to higher point totals for him, but that has not been the case. While Heiskanen is an elite defenseman, his game is more about being a consistently reliable presence in real-life hockey rather than a top-tier fantasy defenseman. His 71-point season feels more like an outlier than a consistent reality.

Heiskanen has recently been sidelined month-to-month after knee surgery, and Harley is wasting no time stepping up. In the two games since Heiskanen's injury, Harley has already notched three assists and taken over a staggering 88.2% of Dallas' power-play time. With the Stars' power play clicking, Harley has a legitimate shot to outpace his current 42-point pace, provided Heiskanen stays out of the lineup which is likely for most of your fantasy playoffs.

WHAT AN ENDING IN DALLAS! 🌟

Thomas Harley wins it for the @DallasStars in @Energizer overtime to complete a perfect home stand! pic.twitter.com/VugTewh91E

— NHL (@NHL) January 5, 2025

Beyond the power play, Harley's role is expanding. He's averaging a career-high 22:34 per game and is trusted in all situations, including the penalty kill, where he's logging 40.5% of Dallas' shorthanded minutes. As of now it looks as if Harley's increase role is a positive impact. The real question is whether this boost in usage will translate into sustained offensive production. With an extended run as the Stars' power-play quarterback, Harley has a chance to unlock another level offensively. If he capitalizes on this opportunity, a 50-point pace down the stretch is not out of the realm of possibility.

Thanks for reading! See you next week. For more content/fantasy hockey analysis, or if there’s a prospect, you’d like me to cover, follow and message me on X @Punters_hockey.