The Fastest Rising Forward Prospects (November 2016)

Kevin LeBlanc

2016-11-12

The Journey examines Dobber’s top forward prospect list and assesses the fast risers in the November rankings.

Check back next week when we will take a closer look at the fastest rising defensemen in this months rankings.

 

Jonathan Marchessault – Florida Panthers – Up to 5th from 51st Overall

 

Marchessault has been a huge addition to the Panthers lineup this season, filling the scoring void left when Jonathan Huberdeau went down with a lengthy achilles injury. The forwards 13 points in 14 games are on pace to shatter the 18 points he posted in 45 games last season by the end of the month. Marchessault currently ranks in the Top 25 in the NHL in goals, points, power play points, and shots on goal.

 

Playing alongside Aleksander Barkov and Jaromir Jagr has aided his breakout season, but he did have good numbers in limited time last season as well, so there was some evidence that if he got the opportunity he could be productive. Not too shabby for a player that fantasy owners likely could have picked up on waivers or in re-entry drafts to start the season.

 

Jake Guentzel – Pittsburgh Penguins – Up to 33rd Overall from 80th Overall

 

Former University of Nebraska-Omaha product Jake Guentzel started his professional career with a bang last year, appearing in 21 regular season and playoff games for the AHL’s Wilkes Barre/Scranton Penguins, totaling 20 points.

 

He has proven that the small sample size from a year ago was no fluke, as Guentzel has put up another 12 points in 10 games for Wilkes Barre/Scranton this season. The 2013 third round pick has a high hockey IQ and is a responsible forward in all three zones. He is a willing playmaker who has produced points at every level, with his only knock being his size. Look for Guentzel to be one of the Penguins first call-ups from the AHL in case of an injury.

 

Denis Malgin – Florida Panthers – Up to 50th Overall from 169th Overall

 

Malgin is another player who has benefitted from the rash of injuries the Panthers have suffered to start the season. The young winger has appeared in all 14 games and has tallied two goals and three assists on the season, despite playing just over 11 minutes per game. He has been trending upwards recently, with four points in his last six games.

 

Although he is only 19, Malgin is AHL eligible and could split time between the Panthers affiliate in Springfield and the NHL. With the Panthers having Stanley Cup aspirations, it’s possible that Malgin could be pushed out when their regulars return to the lineup, and throughout the season if any additional pieces are added.

 

Jack Roslovic – Winnipeg Jets – Up to 69th Overall from 145th Overall

 

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As a first round selection in 2015, Roslovic had a good freshman season for Miami University. He left Oxford following his first year in college hockey deciding to turn pro, where he has had a good start to his career with the AHL’s Manitoba Moose. Roslovic has been a point-per-game player for the Moose through 10 games with three goals and seven assists.

 

Roslovic is an option for Team USA at this years World Junior Championships after being passed over for a spot a season ago. As a 19-year-old, he is likely a couple seasons from cracking an NHL roster, but is an offensive option for the future to keep an eye on over his first professional season.

 

Morgan Klimchuk – Calgary Flames – Up to 127th Overall from 214th Overall

 

Calgary’s 2013 first round pick had trouble adjusting to the AHL last year in his first season of professional hockey. In 55 games, the young winger posted just 9 points a year ago, but has already surpassed that mark with 10 points in his first seven AHL contests in 2016-17. Klimchuk is currently tied with teammate Mark Jankowski for the Stockton points lead. He has a point in five out of seven games played this season, and is averaging two shots per game.

 

Klimchuk’s ability as a two-way forward projects him as versatile option for Flames head coach Glen Gulutzan once he gets more seasoning in the AHL.

 

Max Jones – Anaheim Ducks – Up to 147th Overall from 217th Overall

 

After the London Knights lost Christian Dvorak, Mitch Marner and Matthew Tkachuk to the NHL following last season, many wondered how Max Jones’s offense would translate without superstars in the lineup. Answer? Just fine.

 

Jones has shouldered the offensive load for the Knights this season with Cliff Pu (2016, BUF, 69th) and Janne Kuokkanen (2016, CAR, 43rd). His 20 points in 10 games have been coupled with 27 penalty minutes, as Jones continues to be an incredibly irritating player to play against. As the 2016 first round pick continues to develop offensively, the sky is the limit for him in terms of a fantasy asset. He is especially valuable in multi-category leagues.

 

 

***Not prospect related, but wanted to say best wishes to Carolina Hurricanes forward Bryan Bickell who was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis yesterday. Hoping to see him back on the ice soon.***

 

Give Kevin a follow @kleblanchockey for NHL prospect talk and happenings. 

2 Comments

  1. larrylintz 2016-11-12 at 01:26

    It’s a nice thought re Bickell, but MS isn’t like a sprained ankle or the flu — there’s no such thing as a “speedy recovery.”
    From the Mayo Clinic:
    “There is no cure for multiple sclerosis. Treatment typically focuses on speeding recovery from attacks, slowing the progression of the disease and managing MS symptoms.”

    • Kevin LeBlanc 2016-11-12 at 08:19

      I definitely understand that, just used the wrong language. I’ll amend. Either way, I’m glad he finally figured out what was going on after a couple years of not knowing.

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