This article is part of our Left, Right & Center series.
The final two regular season installments will look to the future. But nothing too distant; something in the next year will do. And the good thing is we won't need to spend $3.99 a minute to call the Psychic Hotline for advice.
A few forwards failed to impress in 2016-17, perhaps because they lost time due to injury, struggled with one or more significant slumps, or weren't provided enough opportunities. Regardless of the circumstances behind these drop-offs, some should find themselves in a position to recover. As usual, no superstars or recent repeats will be included. Here are a couple suggestions to keep an eye on for next season:
(NOTE: Next week, we'll check out those to avoid. Because we're all about balance).
Left Wing
Andreas Athanasiou, Detroit
Known predominantly for his quick legs, Athanasiou augments this with deft hands and a nose for the net. His promotion to the bigs last season went mainly unnoticed, although flashes of brilliance were displayed (14 points in 37 games). Fast forward to the current campaign, and it's clear how special Athanasiou can be (18 goals – including three game-winners – along with 11 assists and 114 shots in 60 contests). With the Wings already moving in a younger direction, Athanasiou will be at the front of the next wave that will attempt to revive the organization.
Kyle Connor, Winnipeg
Connor was highlighted back in October for his outstanding college numbers and the promise he had displayed up to that point. Those
The final two regular season installments will look to the future. But nothing too distant; something in the next year will do. And the good thing is we won't need to spend $3.99 a minute to call the Psychic Hotline for advice.
A few forwards failed to impress in 2016-17, perhaps because they lost time due to injury, struggled with one or more significant slumps, or weren't provided enough opportunities. Regardless of the circumstances behind these drop-offs, some should find themselves in a position to recover. As usual, no superstars or recent repeats will be included. Here are a couple suggestions to keep an eye on for next season:
(NOTE: Next week, we'll check out those to avoid. Because we're all about balance).
Left Wing
Andreas Athanasiou, Detroit
Known predominantly for his quick legs, Athanasiou augments this with deft hands and a nose for the net. His promotion to the bigs last season went mainly unnoticed, although flashes of brilliance were displayed (14 points in 37 games). Fast forward to the current campaign, and it's clear how special Athanasiou can be (18 goals – including three game-winners – along with 11 assists and 114 shots in 60 contests). With the Wings already moving in a younger direction, Athanasiou will be at the front of the next wave that will attempt to revive the organization.
Kyle Connor, Winnipeg
Connor was highlighted back in October for his outstanding college numbers and the promise he had displayed up to that point. Those credentials weren't enough to keep him in Winnipeg, yet he had no trouble adjusting to AHL life (40 points in 46 appearances). The Jets are virtually eliminated from playoff contention, which may allow Connor a chance for a late call-up. The good news is that opportunities exist at center and left wing, which are both positions where the Michigander has recently lined up.
Jimmy Vesey, NY Rangers
One of the league's most anticipated NCAA acquisitions has mainly disappointed. A hot start and a moderate second month has only been followed by a horrendous stretch. 2017 has been rather forgettable for Vesey (seven points in 37 matches, with a minus-8), but his fortunes should eventually turn around. He currently sees action on the fourth line, yet it remains to be seen how the Rangers will use the 2016 Hobey Baker winner (who racked up 144 points in 128 games at Harvard) during the postseason and beyond.
Right Wing
Brock Boeser, Vancouver
Considering the fact he just signed with the Canucks last week, it may seem odd to include Boeser in this column. However, a wrist injury did keep the 2015 first-rounder out for a considerable chunk of the season, including missing out on the American gold-medal winning effort at the WJC. Despite this setback, Boeser was able to post excellent stats at North Dakota (34 points in 32 contests) – and score on his NHL debut Saturday. The Minnesota native should enter next season as one of Vancouver's top right-wingers and join forces with the likes of fellow youngsters Bo Horvat (2013 top pick) and Jake Virtanen (2014 top pick).
Ryan Hartman, Chicago
Throughout his career, Hartman has been able to supplement a modest scoring repertoire with a willingness to mix it up. This set of skills is probably why he was drafted 30th overall in 2013, although some recent rough stuff looks to have gotten him benched in Chicago. Hartman has mainly been entrusted with a bottom-six job, but that hasn't stopped him from producing (29 points, 68 PIM, 155 shots, 114 hits). Based on these results, the Hawks should allow him to progress in his development and become a more complete scorer.
Brett Ritchie, Dallas
Whereas younger brother Nick in Anaheim could best be described as the gritty type, Brett is more of a finesse player. The Stars have imploded this season, leaving holes all over the lineup. This has allowed Ritchie (22 points, 152 shots, 140 hits in 73 games) to slot in on the second line and earn quality power-play time. His size (6-foot-3, 215 pounds) should ensure a place on the man advantage and his dependability at both ends makes him an attractive candidate to be paired with a more attack-minded forward like Tyler Seguin (with whom he's currently teamed) or Jamie Benn.
Center
Tomas Hertl, San Jose
Following a breakthrough 2015-16 (21 goals, 25 assists, 202 shots, 90 hits, 60 blocks in 81 appearances), this year has quickly gone from promising to nightmarish for Hertl. A decent opening run (nine points in 15) was halted by a knee problem that kept him out for the next 32 games. Despite the latest downturn (scoreless in 12), Hertl is clearly part of the Sharks' long-term plans. With the future unknown regarding impending UFAs Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau, the versatile Czech is in line to see an increase in his role down the road.
Calle Jarnkrok, Nashville
This season has been a tale of two halves for Jarnkrok, with the first part consisting of anonymity (eight points in 37 outings) and the current section showing his potential (22 in 38). Behind Ryan Johansen (58 points), the Preds don't boast much down the middle. One could technically include Mike Fisher (41) in this discussion, but Mr. Underwood is getting up there in years and is projected to be without a contract this June. As long as there aren't any setbacks or other big names recruited, Jarnkrok should be able to step in and hold down the #2 pivot position.
Dylan Strome, Arizona
Strome made the team out of training camp and looked to be well on his way to starting a successful NHL career. After seven appearances and a number of healthy scratches, the Coyotes opted to send him back to junior. The third pick of 2015 has dominated both in the OHL (75 points in 35 games) and with Team Canada at the WJC (10 in seven). Of the current centers in Arizona, only Christian Dvorak (2014 second-round selection) would even come close to approaching Strome's talent level. Needless to say, he should be back in the Desert when fall rolls around.
