NHL future watch: Who’s the fastest-rising prospect in every group’s pipeline?

It’s what each NHL group desires to see in its prospect pipeline: the participant who takes the subsequent step and reveals they’re prepared for extra duty and a have a look at a better stage. Now, a month-plus into the 2024-25 hockey season, these rising-stock prospects have began to emerge.

Who’s rising the quickest for every group?

The Athletic posed that query to its NHL employees, stipulating that whereas very latest call-ups are eligible, the prospects shouldn’t be present full-time NHLers.

In response, we heard about high picks able to make the leap, hidden gems incomes greater alternatives and gamers on the precipice of creating an NHL impression. Listed below are the picks.

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Sam Colangelo, RW: Beckett Sennecke, the No. 3 draft choose this yr, is their high prospect and he’s off to a different good begin with the OHL’s Oshawa Generals. But it surely’s been nothing however an upward trajectory for Colangelo, a second-round choose in 2020 whose improvement at Northeastern appeared to stall. The 22-year-old transferred to Western Michigan for his senior season and had a terrific yr in serving to lead the Broncos to the NCAA event. Colangelo has constructed on that. He scored in his NHL debut on the finish of final season and lasted till the ultimate week of coaching camp earlier than being despatched to the AHL. Whereas the San Diego Gulls are struggling to win video games like their NHL mother or father membership, Colangelo is main them in targets (eight) and is second in factors (12). — Eric Stephens

Georgii Merkulov, C: The left-shot heart was main AHL Windfall with two targets and 9 assists for 11 factors by way of Thursday. This isn’t out of the bizarre. Merkulov was Windfall’s No. 1 scorer in 2023-24 with 65 factors in 67 video games. However to this point, Merkulov has not transferred his AHL outcomes up high. His accelerated trajectory comes extra from the NHL group’s struggles. The Bruins are determined for offensive punch, so maybe the 24-year-old’s second is coming. — Fluto Shinzawa

Prokhor Poltapov, LW: Poltapov, the No. 33 choose within the 2021 draft, is creating into an NHL-level participant who can mix ability with a tenacious taking part in type. The 21-year-old has seven targets and 9 assists in 24 video games taking part in for CSKA Moscow within the KHL. He not too long ago signed a two-year contract extension that can hold him there by way of the 2026-27 season, however he’ll be 24 years outdated and NHL-ready when that contract ends. The Sabres must be enthusiastic about what he’s turning into. — Matthew Fairburn

Jacob Battaglia, LW: The Flames’ latest second-round choose is off to a scorching begin within the OHL with the Kingston Frontenacs. His 14 targets and 30 factors have him within the high 5 in targets and high 10 in factors amongst OHL scorers. The Flames liked his measurement and talent to play within the corners once they had the possibility to draft him this summer season. Scouting director Tod Button likened him to a junkyard canine. And now he’s wanting like an intriguing riser within the Flames’ prospect pipeline. By the way in which, we’re unsure if that religious healer he visited earlier than being drafted instructed him he’d be doing so effectively within the OHL. — Julian McKenzie

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Favorite draft story right this moment: Jacob Battaglia visited a religious healer at Christmas who instructed him they noticed the town of Calgary in his future.

“Phrase of a lie, I’m not making this up. She instructed me she says, she feels Calgary, someplace in Canada…” pic.twitter.com/guRKaCPpfW

— Julian McKenzie (@jkamckenzie) June 29, 2024

Nikita Artamonov, LW: The Hurricanes might need the steal of the 2024 NHL Draft in Artamonov. Regardless of being projected as a first-round choose by a number of draft analysts, Artamonov fell into Carolina’s lap within the second spherical at choose No. 50. His begin to the KHL season certainly has the league’s different 31 groups wishing they’d taken an opportunity on the Russian winger. Artamonov, who turns 19 tomorrow, is second within the KHL in targets with 13 and tied for sixth in factors with 22 for Torpedo by way of 27 video games. — Cory Lavalette

Sam Rinzel, RHD: When the Blackhawks chosen Rinzel with the No. 25 choose within the 2022 draft, some thought it was a attain. The Blackhawks knew on the time they’d need to be affected person with Rinzel’s improvement. He had measurement and will skate, however he was uncooked in any other case as a defenseman. Now a sophomore at Minnesota, he’s beginning to put all of it collectively. He’s gotten stronger, has a greater sense of how one can play place and is constantly producing. He might quickly too be part of the Blackhawks’ younger and promising defensive group. — Scott Powers

Calum Ritchie, C: Ritchie is Colorado’s high prospect, and I’d nonetheless argue he’s the fastest-rising within the pool. After scoring his first NHL purpose in his transient, seven-game stint with the Avalanche to start the season, Ritchie returned to the Oshawa Generals and picked up proper the place he left off. He’s averaging two factors per recreation, at present on a 56-game tempo of 112 factors. Even after lacking the primary 12 video games of the OHL season, he ought to nonetheless find yourself amongst the league’s scoring leaders. — Jesse Granger

Luca Marrelli, RHD: Marrelli was a third-round choose (No. 86) final June, however he’s making that seem like a steal to this point this season with the OHL’s Oshawa Generals. The 6-foot-2, 190-pounder is second amongst blueliners within the OHL in targets (9) and factors (25), and is tied for fourth in assists (16). The defenseman main the league with 29 factors is Sam Dickinson, who was the No. 11 choose by San Jose — 75 picks greater — than Marrelli in June. The Blue Jackets have drafted 14 defensemen within the final 5 drafts, so the competitors throughout the group is intense. However Marrelli is starting to separate. — Aaron Portzline

Lian Bichsel, LHD: With Wyatt Johnston, Logan Stankoven and Mavrik Bourque all having graduated previously two seasons, there aren’t numerous prospects left knocking on the door in Dallas. However Bichsel, the No. 18 choose within the 2022 draft, is well the closest. The hulking 6-foot-6 defenseman is getting his first full season within the AHL and is adapting effectively to the smaller ice floor in North America. He’ll want extra time to develop, however the Stars have a historical past of calling gamers up on the proper time and placing them ready to succeed, so Bichsel probably gained’t get the decision till he’s actually prepared. — Mark Lazerus

Emmitt Finnie, C: Detroit’s finest prospects this season have been AHL goalie Sebastian Cossa and SHL defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellikka, however since each are first-rounders with established pedigrees, let’s go along with Finnie right here as the most important riser. The 2023 seventh-round choose has been excellent within the WHL with the Kamloops Blazers, placing up 27 factors by way of his group’s first 17 video games — and sporting the captain’s “C” to high it off. Finnie has been noticeable at Detroit’s prospect occasions the final two years, a powerful skater who shows two-way duty and shot as effectively. If he’s in a position to sustain this sort of manufacturing, the Pink Wings could have a discover right here. — Max Bultman

Noah Philp, C: It’s arduous to know what to anticipate from a participant when he misses the earlier season. That’s why Philp’s rise must be thought of meteoric. Although he was making vital inroads with the group throughout his rookie professional marketing campaign in 2022-23, Philp opted to sit down out final season for private causes. As a 26-year-old with restricted expertise, Philp was seen as a protracted shot to make the Oilers out of camp within the eyes of coach Kris Knoblauch. As a substitute, he excelled within the preseason and acquired to the final day of cuts. Philp made a long-lasting impression and was recalled when Connor McDavid sustained an ankle harm final month. He even recorded an help in his NHL debut on Oct. 31. He’s gone from an unknown to a practical depth possibility for the group within the second half. — Daniel Nugent-Bowman

Hunter St. Martin, LW: It’s price noting that the Panthers’ prospect pool may very well be in higher form. So it goes whenever you spend just a few years in win-now mode — and we someway doubt Invoice Zito and Co. remorse any of it. St. Martin, although, has opened some eyes with Drugs Hat. A sixth-rounder in 2024 who signed an entry-level deal after a powerful camp, St. Martin has 17 targets in his first 17 WHL video games this season and appears nice on mega-prospect Gavin McKenna’s wing. — Sean Gentille

Liam Greentree, LW: The Kings’ No. 26 choose in 2024 is powering the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires with 33 factors, which is among the many league leaders. Brandt Clarke was their final first-round choose in 2021 so the choice of Greentree was essential for Los Angeles after buying and selling away earlier first-rounders for Kevin Fiala and Pierre-Luc Dubois. A 6-foot-3 energy ahead with terrific fingers, Greentree is extra of a playmaker who can rating targets as he makes use of his lengthy attain to create area for himself towards defenders. He’s already had 11 multi-point efforts amongst his 18 video games, together with back-to-back four-point nights towards the Oshawa Generals and Guelph Storm. — Eric Stephens

Zeev Buium, LHD: There’s loads of pleasure round 2022 first-round choose Danila Yurov, however his return from offseason surgical procedure has led to a sluggish begin within the KHL. So the choose is puck-moving defenseman Buium. The 18-year-old will likely be vying for a second straight gold medal for the US on the World Junior Championship and a second straight NCAA championship with the College of Denver. The 2024 first-round choose has 10 assists in 11 video games for the Pioneers and on Friday had a hat trick towards North Dakota. It wouldn’t be stunning if the Wild signal him instantly after his sophomore season ends. — Michael Russo

Sam Harris, LW: Coming off successful an NCAA championship as a freshman, College of Denver ahead Harris entered the weekend main the top-ranked group within the nation with 10 targets in 10 video games as a sophomore, simply 4 fewer than he scored all of final season. He entered the weekend driving an eight-game level streak and was named the NCHC ahead of the week final week. The fifth-round, No. 133 choose in 2023 is already wanting like worth choose. — Arpon Basu

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😤Sam Harris buries the one timer! #MidcoSports | #GoPios | @DU_Hockey pic.twitter.com/UR2iXlob8y

— Midco Sports activities (@MidcoSports) November 16, 2024

Matthew Wooden, RW: Ahead Joakim Kemell and defenseman Tanner Molendyk are rising as effectively and will have key roles in Nashville earlier than too lengthy, however Wooden, the No. 15 choose within the 2023 draft, is an attractive risk as a top-six ahead in future Predators lineups. He performed school hockey at UConn final season, transferred to powerhouse program Minnesota this season and has three targets and 14 factors in 11 video games for the Golden Gophers. He’s acquired the scale at 6-foot-4, 205 kilos and will ultimately be a solution down the center. — Joe Rexrode

Seamus Casey, RHD: Casey, a second-round choose in 2022, had a formidable sufficient preseason to interrupt camp with the NHL membership, and he supplied some early offense for the Devils, scoring three targets in eight NHL video games. The group despatched him right down to AHL Utica after its defensive corps acquired more healthy. He’s continued his offensive output on the decrease stage. He has 9 factors in eight AHL video games this season. — Peter Baugh

Isaiah George, LHD: In his first professional season, the fleet-skating left defenseman was headed for a developmental project within the AHL. After an early harm stored him to simply 4 video games at that stage, the Islanders summoned George to fill in on their decimated blue line. And he has greater than held his personal, taking part in 24 minutes in two of his first 4 video games and taking part in capably towards Connor McDavid on Tuesday. The 20-year-old has opened many eyes in a short while. — Arthur Staple

Brett Berard, LW: Berard had a stable preseason for the Rangers, sticking with the NHL membership till late in camp. The 22-year-old led the AHL membership with 25 targets in 2023-24 and has six in 13 video games to begin 2024-25. He may very well be in place for an NHL call-up if the Rangers have an harm of their top-nine ahead group. With the group set to face a cap crunch in coming years, he and different gamers on entry-level contracts will probably get loads of alternative. — Peter Baugh

Lucas Ellinas, C: The Senators’ prospect pool is in want of a refresh, largely as a result of their most distinguished ones have both already graduated to the large membership or haven’t proven sufficient of their improvement levels simply but. However Ellinas may very well be one to look at. The Sens’ fourth-round choose from final summer season’s draft is already a 3rd of the way in which to matching his manufacturing from final season with the OHL’s Kitchener Rangers. He has some measurement and scoring skill in his recreation, too. Ottawa would definitely profit from a soar in Ellinas’ improvement to assist enhance its pipeline. — Julian McKenzie

Emil Andrae, LHD: Recalled on Oct. 27 as a consequence of Cam York’s upper-body harm, Andrae is making a powerful case to remain on the roster even when everyone seems to be wholesome. The previous second-round choose was arguably the Flyers’ finest participant on Tuesday of their 4-3 shootout win over the Sharks skating on the highest pair with Travis Sanheim, working the highest power-play unit, and producing a handful of scoring probabilities. His play currently could assist ease the issues over Jamie Drysdale’s stalled improvement (he’s at present out too with a minor upper-body harm), as a result of proper now Andrae — additionally an undersized but cell playmaker — seems just like the extra well-rounded, NHL-ready defenseman. — Kevin Kurz

Tristan Broz, C: The Penguins’ second-round choose in 2021 is gaining loads of traction within the group. He has progressed properly during the last couple of years on the College of Denver and, in his first 12 video games with Wilkes-Barre (AHL), has produced six targets and eight factors. It is a prospect whom the Penguins like fairly a bit. The franchise is in dangerous want of pure purpose scorers and, in Broz, it will seem that such a participant is on the way in which. — Josh Yohe

San Jose Sharks

Sam Dickinson, LHD: How do I not choose Yaroslav Askarov? He’s torching the AHL as soon as once more with the San Jose Barracuda. But it surely appears like he’s solely an harm or commerce away from being within the Sharks’ web. When considering of the rising side, I’m leaning towards Dickinson. Positive, the London Knights defenseman is not any diamond within the tough because the eleventh choose of the 2024 draft, however the easy blueliner is the top-scoring rearguard within the OHL and the main scorer for the league’s premier franchise with 11 targets and 29 factors. Dickinson is at 1.81 factors per recreation, which is effectively above the 1.03 he was at in his breakout 2023-24 season. — Eric Stephens

Eduard Sale, RW: If Sale have been a North American participant drafted out of the CHL, he wouldn’t even be eligible to compete within the American League. Because of the NHL-CHL switch settlement, we very not often see 19-year-old gamers like Sale turn out to be main AHL contributors. That’s what makes Sale’s first handful of AHL video games — two targets and eight factors in eight contests to start his North American skilled profession — so unimaginable. The expert offensive winger, a late first-round choose on the 2023 NHL Draft, is off to an astonishing begin within the Coachella Valley. He’s proven unimaginable ability and the small print in his recreation, lengthy a priority for scouts with Sale, have been at a excessive sufficient stage to keep up a big function on the AHL stage. — Thomas Drance

Lukas Fischer, LHD: When the 2024 draft ended final June, there was a Southwest Airways flight from Las Vegas to St. Louis filling up with passengers, and the final one on was Fischer. A flight attendant then acquired on a microphone and mentioned, “Let’s hear a spherical of applause for the latest St. Louis Blues participant!” The man passengers applauded, and the airplane took off. After camp with the Blues, Fischer’s younger profession is now taking off, too. The 6-foot-3, 184-pound defenseman, who’s the son of former NHLer Jiri Fischer, was reassigned to the Sarnia Sting, the place he was named captain this season. He had three targets and 9 factors in 10 video games earlier than being sidelined with an harm, however he’s anticipated again quickly. — Jeremy Rutherford

Dylan Duke, LW: Questions comply with you whenever you’re a 5-foot-10 winger with a little bit of a stocky construct and with out dynamic skating. Duke, together with his decided, net-front type, simply retains answering them — and endearing himself to coaches. He completed fifth within the NCAA in targets final season with 26, scoring nearly all of them across the crease, and he has adopted it up with a really respectable begin to his professional profession within the AHL. Don’t be stunned if he makes his NHL debut this season. — Scott Wheeler

Nikita Grebenkin, LW: There’ll at all times be questions on how gamers alter to North American hockey, however the Russian winger is answering numerous questions early in his rookie AHL season. Grebenkin performs with tempo, physicality and fearlessness that may be a blessing and a curse in his recreation. He leads all Marlies rookies with 9 factors in 11 video games. What’s notable is how that manufacturing is commonly the results of brazen confidence. He seems for alternatives many wouldn’t and makes use of his NHL-ready body to get to harmful areas. He must study to play inside a system within the defensive zone, however there’s loads of promise for the fifth-round choose. — Joshua Kloke

Daniil However, LW: At 6-foot-5 and 216 kilos and solely 19 years outdated, a few of However’s bodily presents are instantly apparent. But it was sluggish going for him within the KHL final season, as he performed sparingly for one of many high golf equipment (Yaroslavl Lokomotiv) and produced solely 21 factors in his draft-plus-one season. This yr has been a distinct story, nevertheless, as However already has six targets and 15 factors in 23 video games, placing him third in KHL scoring amongst under-21 gamers. Chosen at No. 12 in 2023, However went greater than most anticipated and is a little bit of a venture. It’s unknown when he’ll be in North America, however his measurement, coordination and high-end shot provide a compelling package deal now that he’s began to place all of it collectively as a professional. His father, Anton, was a longtime KHLer himself and is now an assistant in Yaroslavl, so the pedigree is there. — James Mirtle

Jonathan Lekkerimäki, RW: Lekkerimäki had a stable coaching camp and confirmed effectively within the preseason, however the stage he’s hit over the previous three weeks is one thing totally different totally. In his draft-plus-three marketing campaign, Lekkerimäki had made the full-time transition to taking part in North American skilled hockey seamlessly. After the beginning of his American League season was delayed by sickness, Lekkerimäki arrived in Abbotsford like a lightning bolt. In his seven AHL video games this season the 2022 first-round choose has produced at a point-per-game clip, with 5 targets and almost 40 pictures — a preposterous shot fee for any participant, a lot much less a winger his age. Since being referred to as as much as Vancouver earlier this week, Lekkerimäki has performed a big function on J.T. Miller’s wing and scored his first profession NHL purpose Thursday night time in Vancouver. For a group that hasn’t even been in a position to produce a single recreation performed from a draft choose since 2020, Lekkerimäki’s emergence as an NHL-level possibility may very well be a ceiling-raising improvement. — Thomas Drance

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FIRST @NHL GOAL ALERT‼️

A deadly Lekkerimäki shot for his first profession purpose. 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/aaLUQgIMX7

— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) November 15, 2024

Mathieu Cataford, C: The Golden Knights’ third-round choose from 2023 has been tearing the QMJHL to shreds during the last two seasons. Cataford had an offensive breakout a season in the past for the Halifax Mooseheads and has been even higher this season with Rimouski Océanic. Cataford leads the league with 34 factors (9 targets and 25 assists) by way of solely 19 video games. He’s on tempo for a ridiculous 115 factors this season, and seems greater than prepared to start his skilled profession subsequent yr. — Jesse Granger

Andrew Cristall, LW: Cristall, a winger who was the fortieth choose in 2023, got here near cracking the Caps’ opening night time roster. “He’s continuously a scoring likelihood,” coach Spencer Carbery mentioned. And he’s maintained that momentum again with WHL Kelowna. In his first 10 video games, he’s put up a staggering 28 factors (9 targets, 19 assists) and bulldozed his approach into the world juniors roster dialogue for Canada. — Sean Gentille

Kevin He, LW: He caught my eye at coaching camp, incomes reward in a number of studies. He performed with an intriguing mixture of feistiness, fearlessness and ability in high-traffic areas that immediately made the 2024 fourth-round choose a participant of curiosity. However even his good coaching camp didn’t put together us for what adopted: 17 targets, 12 assists and 29 factors in his first 19 OHL video games for Niagara. He scored 31 targets final season and will obliterate that whole by Christmas at this fee. — Murat Ates

(Illustration: Meech Robinson / The Athletic. Images: Mike Stobe, Andy Devlin / NHLI; John Cordes/ Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Pictures)