The Journey: Prospects Who Exceeded Expectations in NHL Training Camp and Preseason

Catton’s dynamic playmaking and processing speed have made him one of the standouts of Seattle’s camp. He’s pairing elite vision with growing discipline and off-puck awareness, showing the maturity of a player already close to NHL-ready. Even when he’s not on the scoresheet, he’s driving pace and influencing possession. Perhaps most impressive is his ability to read off veterans and create interior chances without overhandling the puck. He looks ready to anchor a power-play unit in the near future, and while the Kraken may remain patient, his long-term fantasy upside remains among the highest in this class.

His offensive upside has always been elite, but his all-around game has grown enough to earn him an NHL trial. He was scratched for Seattle’s first game, but should make it into the lineup soon as the team continues to evaluate its early-season combinations. These first nine games will help determine whether he sticks beyond that threshold, and since he’s too young for the AHL, Seattle may manage his deployment carefully, much like they did with Shane Wright. According to Hockey Prospecting data, Catton still profiles as better than a coin flip to become a star producer. A comparable to Leon Draisaitl is a lofty target, but even approaching that level of impact would be an incredible outcome.

Sandin Pellikka continues to impress with his poise, vision, and quick execution under pressure. His puck retrieval and transition game were among the cleanest of any young defenseman in camp, reflecting the same composure that made him a standout in the SHL. His offensive game has long been a strength, highlighted by crisp puck movement and confidence running the power play, but early in his development there were questions about how well his defensive play would translate to the NHL. According to the NHL Rank King application, his pNHLe suggests near point-per-game upside, underscoring just how dynamic his skill set has become.

After three seasons in the SHL, most expected Sandin Pellikka to spend time in the AHL to adjust to North American pace, as many Red Wings prospects do. Instead, he made Detroit’s opening-night roster and appeared in the team’s first game, a 5–1 home loss to the Canadiens. Even in defeat, he looked composed and confident, showing improved strength, awareness, and reliability in his own zone. Detroit values how he drives play without forcing risk, and he appears increasingly ready to handle NHL minutes. If his transition continues at this pace, he could become one of the more productive rookie defensemen in the league.

Sennecke’s blend of size, touch, and creativity made him one of the most talked-about players in Anaheim’s camp. The 2024 third-overall pick showcased advanced puck skills and vision, finding seams with the confidence of a much older player. Coaches praised his ability to slow the game down and create off the rush, while his strength along the wall continues to improve. Though many expected him to return to junior for more seasoning, Sennecke looked comfortable against NHL competition in preseason and gave a clear preview of top-six potential.

He made Anaheim’s roster and wasted no time making an impression, scoring the Ducks’ first goal of the season in his NHL debut. If that is a sign of what’s ahead, Sennecke is arriving sooner than expected and could outperform his Hockey Prospecting model, which currently gives him just a 9% chance of becoming a star. His blend of creativity, confidence, and situational poise suggests that number may already be trending upward.

Cootes was one of the more surprising names to survive multiple rounds of cuts in Vancouver. The 2025 first-round pick (15th overall) showcased a refined two-way game and a level of structure rarely seen at his age. Coaches praised his defensive awareness and ability to support play in transition, while his small-area skill and poise under pressure kept plays alive. What stands out most is how well he blends effort with intelligence, earning trust in a variety of situations. Vancouver entered camp with questions about its center depth, but Cootes may have provided an unexpected long-term solution.

Certainly one of the biggest surprises of the early season, Cootes did everything possible to show he is ready for the NHL, and he was rewarded with a spot in the Canucks’ opening-night lineup. If he extends his stay beyond the nine-game mark, his fantasy stock could rise sharply, especially given his strong peripheral profile. The Fantasy Hockey Life Skater Card highlights that stable floor, and if his offensive confidence continues to build, there is real multi-category upside here.

Next to Cootes, Kindel was probably the next most surprising rookie to make an early impression, as the Penguins appear to be embracing a youth movement. The 2025 first-round pick (11th overall) came in with strong pedigree, but few expected him to reach the NHL this quickly. According to the NHL Rank King application, Kindel projects with upside similar to Leo Carlsson or Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. He did not look out of place in his early NHL action, showing poise and pace well beyond his years.

Kindel’s high-motor game caught attention early in Penguins camp. His acceleration through the neutral zone and knack for creating turnovers have made him one of the most intriguing young forwards in their system. He has already appeared in Pittsburgh’s first two games, both wins, and while he hasn’t recorded a point yet, he held his own with a 54 percent Corsi, showing he can keep pace and contribute in a positive way. Kindel’s two-way projection fits a modern middle-six role, and with continued growth in his offensive finish, he could evolve into a reliable contributor who brings value across multiple categories.

Martin may have been drafted higher than some expected, but the 2025 fifth-overall pick was always viewed as one of the most NHL-ready prospects in his class. His energy, willingness to play through contact, and strong board work have quickly translated to the professional game. Nashville’s staff praised his ability to read plays off turnovers and sustain pressure in the offensive zone, traits that helped him look right at home during preseason action.

He made his NHL debut in Nashville’s season opener, a winning effort for the Predators, and while he wasn’t heavily involved offensively, he held his own and continued to show the physical engagement that earned him a roster spot. Martin may not light up the scoresheet yet, but his maturity and consistency stand out for his age. Like Cootes, he offers a strong peripheral floor, with hit and block numbers that could make him relevant in redraft formats sooner rather than later. His long-term projection is that of a dependable, complementary winger who thrives on detail and effort.

Cowan picked up right where he left off last spring, full of pace, relentless forechecking, and smart reads in transition. His compete level is infectious, and his calm decision-making under pressure continues to earn rave reviews. Coming off a phenomenal season with the Memorial Cup–winning London Knights, he has carried that same confidence and poise into his first professional camp.

Craig Berube tells media in Detroit he still thinks Cowan is NHL ready, but concedes “we still have decisions to make.”

Gridin’s offensive skill set has translated even faster than expected, and he was one of Calgary’s most consistent performers throughout camp. The 2024 first-round pick’s confidence with the puck and ability to manipulate defenders stood out, especially on the power play where his shot and vision both looked NHL-ready. He has already played in both of Calgary’s first two games, scoring the team’s first goal of the season to help spark a comeback win over the Oilers in Edmonton. Gridin’s poise, hockey sense, and confidence with the puck suggest he could establish himself as one of the more impactful rookies of this class if his early momentum continues.

Brandsegg-Nygård entered camp as a long shot but quickly forced Detroit’s staff to take notice. After joining North America late last season, he wasted no time adapting to the smaller ice and faster pace. His combination of speed, tenacity, and defensive reliability fits perfectly with the Red Wings’ identity. He consistently drives play without needing the puck, winning battles, extending zone time, and showing a mature understanding of positional play. It was widely presumed that Brandsegg-Nygård would begin the year in the AHL, but his performance in training camp and preseason may have changed that plan. He made his NHL debut in Detroit’s season opener, going pointless but looking comfortable in limited minutes. Brandsegg-Nygård’s poise and energy should keep him in the conversation for regular NHL duty, and his blend of motor and defensive maturity gives him sneaky multi-category appeal once he settles into a consistent role.

Brunicke was one of the youngest players in Penguins camp yet played with remarkable poise and maturity. His gap control and transition reads stood out, helping him earn a longer look than many expected. He does not panic under pressure and already understands how to manage spacing against stronger, faster opponents. With his skating foundation and hockey IQ, Brunicke projects as a modern two-way defenseman who can eat minutes and drive possession.

Brunicke would rank higher on this list if this were about real-life impact rather than fantasy upside. He is trending toward being one of those players who holds more value to his NHL team than to his fantasy general manager. His Hockey Prospecting star probability remains relatively low, yet he looked like the Penguins’ best defender at times during the preseason. On a roster featuring two future Hall of Fame blue liners, that is saying something.

Finnie quietly became one of the top underlying performers in the WHL last season, posting strong possession and peripheral metrics that highlight his all-around impact. He averaged over four shots, one and a half blocks, and more than one hit per game while winning 58 percent of his faceoffs, a rare blend of volume and discipline for a young center. The Fantasy Hockey Life Skater Card reflects that balance, showing a strong transition game and reliable peripheral contributions, though his play-driving impact varies by situation.

His poise and attention to detail carried into Detroit’s camp, where he looked composed and confident against tougher competition. Finnie made his NHL debut in the Red Wings’ first game of the season, didn’t do much in 12:22 of ice time. His calm competitiveness and smart reads suggest he can handle professional minutes sooner than later, and his well-rounded statistical base hints at future multi-category appeal once he finds consistent usage.

Brindley’s compete level and energy were on full display this preseason, earning him a spot on Colorado’s opening-night roster. He made his NHL debut in the Avalanche’s first game, bringing the same pace and tenacity that defined his college and junior success. Brindley creates offense through positioning and persistence rather than flash, showing maturity beyond his years. He has appeared in both of Colorado’s first two games, playing a limited role but continuing to showcase his speed, effort, and reliability away from the puck. As he adjusts to longer professional minutes, his mix of pace, awareness, and relentlessness should translate into a dependable middle-six role with well-rounded fantasy appeal.

Minten immediately caught Boston’s attention with his structured, pro-ready game. His commitment to both sides of the puck and ability to create offense within system play earned him an extended look, culminating in his NHL debut during the Bruins’ first game of the season. Strong on faceoffs and reliable defensively, he already plays with the poise of a veteran and fits seamlessly into Boston’s disciplined approach. He followed that debut with a statement performance, scoring the overtime winner against Chicago in Boston’s second game, and has already recorded six hits through his first two outings. Minten projects as an early-season depth option who can provide stability down the middle and grow into a trusted two-way contributor with clutch-scoring potential.

Laba brought his trademark motor and two-way intensity into camp, earning praise for his physicality, defensive awareness, and steady faceoff work. Making the Rangers’ opening-night roster was a huge feather in his cap, not bad for a 2022 fourth-round pick. Centering a line with Taylor Raddysh and Conor Sheary, he has yet to record a point through his first two games but has driven play effectively with a 56 percent Corsi. Laba continues to show effort, discipline, and responsibility away from the puck, traits that should keep him in the mix for depth minutes. If his offensive touch catches up, he could develop into a dependable bottom-six contributor with sneaky multi-category upside.

Finley’s size and presence down the middle continue to stand out in Tampa Bay’s system. His strength on draws and dependable defensive play fit well in a fourth-line or penalty-killing role. He made his NHL debut in the Lightning’s first game, playing just under nine minutes while holding his own in limited action. As his puck skills round out, he could earn longer NHL looks, offering a stable floor even if fantasy upside remains modest.

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