Welcome to the Thursday ramblings! You know what I have decided to do a bit of an odd thing for this ramblings, I will discuss prospects/rookies that can play (or stand out) for teams in the playoffs. I remember adding Torey Krug in a keeper pool during the off season as the NHL playoffs were going. It was a great pick up, so let us take a look at any potential prospects that could break out or use the experience to break out for next season.

 

These players are also set up before the playoffs start as you likely are not able to add anyone during the playoffs for said playoffs.

 

 

EAST

 

Washington

 

Travis Boyd – Boyd has produced well in the bottom six getting little to no minutes with 20 points in 51 games. He can score in the middle six if given an opportunity and that is what he needs whether it be on the Capitals (unlikely) or somewhere else.

 

Jonas Siegenthaler – He has little scoring upside but he is a steady two-way defenseman who can transition the puck well and is a rock in his own end. Might be a good late pick if most Capitals are gone, and the Caps smarten up and realize Orpik stinks.

 

Riley Barber – Barber is tied for second in goal scoring with 31 goals in 63 AHL games, one goal behind the leader. He has finally been healthy all year and is producing in the AHL, if he can get a chance in the top nine for the Capitals in the playoffs he may not let go. He is one to watch for next year.

 

 

NY Islanders

 

Michael Dal Colle – Dal Colle has broken though in the AHL this season, but only in 34 games, as the Islanders brought him up repeatedly and stuck him on a line with players that cannot score (i.e. Filppula and Komarov).

 

Devon Toews – Toews was finally given a chance to play and he has been doing a great job, can he get a chance to score during the playoffs is the question.

 

Josh Ho-Sang – Imagine if he came in and just carried the Isles. It would be amazing.

 

Sebastian Aho – Aho is up to 41 points in 62 AHL games as he is too good for the AHL. Hopefully he gets a chance to stay in the NHL either during the playoffs or next season

 

 

Pittsburgh

 

Any young player that comes up will have to Kunitz their way in to a top six spot.

 

 

Tampa Bay

 

Mathieu Joseph – He has been great in a depth role for Tampa and he may have a few big goals in him for later in the draft

 

Erik Cernak – Remember when the Kings traded him a couple games of Ben Bishop, good times. Anyway he is in the top four for Tampa and is used as a shutdown guy. There may be a big goal or two in there.

 

This team would have to endure some crazy injuries to promote Alex Barre-Boulet, Alex Volkov, or Taylor Raddysh for the playoffs.

 

 

Boston

 

They are deep with prospects who have played in multiple seasons

 

 

Toronto

 

Calle Rosen – Rosen has been a great find for Toronto and if he is able to keep a spot in the top six he would be a dark horse point getter on the back end.

 

Jeremy Bracco – He is tied for the lead in the AHL for points and could play in the NHL now. If the Leafs need some scoring he would be one they would call upon.

 

Do not forget Andreas Johnsson as he may go later than expected

 

 

Carolina

 

Andrei Svechnikov – Kind of a no brainer

 

It will be tough for a rookie (or call up) to break out for Carolina this playoffs, not because Brind’Amour does not play them, but because Charlotte has a top shot of winning the Calder Cup as will need all of their players.

 

 

Columbus

 

With CBJ’s going all in there are no available spots for rookies to come in and steal the spotlight

 

 

Montreal

 

Jesperi Kotkaniemi – See Svechnikov above

 

Ryan Poehling – If Montreal gets in and needs a shot of offense Poehling is their man. It is a long shot he may get in but stranger things have happened.

 

 

WEST

 

Winnipeg

 

Sami Niku – Should already be in the line-up and hopefully he can solidify his presence in the top six defensemen. Next season he needs to be in the NHL whether on Winnipeg or elsewhere

 

 

Nashville

 

Dante Fabbro – Game one he got 16 minutes, game two nine minutes, a Peter Laviolette rookie special. Fabbro is a solid add to the third pairing for Nashville, let us hope they keep him in the line-up. He has the skills to produce but with Nashville’s top four, he will not have the minutes.

 

Peter Laviolette would rather give Cody McLeod a roster spot over Eeli Tolvanen is all you need to know up front.

 

 

St. Louis

 

Robert Thomas – Thomas is usually on a line with Maroon and Bozak and somehow produces decent results. He is able to get up in the line-up when the Blues need it and he is a rookie to keep on your roster as he will break out eventually.

 

Sammy Blais – Blais produces in the AHL but gets no chance to in the NHL as he is routinely stuck on the fourth line. Watch him for next season but do not rule out him getting hot if he can get in for the playoffs, he is a player built for it.

 

Jordan Kyrou – Kyrou has 43 points in 47 games for the San Antonio Rampage and is too good for the AHL but there is no room in the NHL. If he can get in to the playoffs it will be to score, and next season St. Louis needs to set him up to do so.

 

I am not a believer in Binnington long term as a starter, but I could be wrong as he could dominate the playoffs.

 

 

Calgary

 

Rasmus Andersson – Has at times been given time on the top line and he deserves it. This kid is fantastic. He may not get powerplay time but he has a chance to score every time he is out there.

 

Andrew Mangiapne – Mangiapne was stuck on the fourth line, and this fourth line scores and, so it was bumped up to be the third line. He is a skilled player who should be in the top nine for Calgary from now on. He can post points in the playoffs

 

Juuso Valimaki – Was called back up to the NHL as the Flames scratch/rest players. He is good enough to play and should as he can do it all.

 

Oliver Kylington – I see him not playing much over the other two but you cannot deny this kids skill

 

 

San Jose

 

Sharks have loaded up for the playoffs… and are also heading in to the playoffs 1-8-1, so yeah

 

 

Vegas

 

Cody Glass – With the Portland Winterhawks eliminated Glass can play for the Chicago Wolves (current injury aside). Perhaps there is a chance he can play in the NHL if required but I would not count on it.

 

 

Dallas

 

Roope Hintz – Hintz has been delivering in the top six for the last 18 games (since he was put there at the end of February) with 12 points as he is playing great. He will go late in your pool and you need to snatch him up before it is too late.

 

Miro Heiskanen – I do not need to add anything to information here, add this kid before it is too late as well.

 

Denis Gurianov – If he is called up, it will be to score. This kid is finally getting an opportunity to score in the AHL and he has run with it. In the NHL he has looked a little green but there is no doubt he can score.

 

 

Colorado

 

There is a chance that there could be a Martin Kaut appearance but I would not bet my house on it.

 

 

 

Thanks for reading and good luck in your pool*!

 

*Unless you are in mine, then try to lose, thanks.

 

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