As prospect development camps are underway across the NHL, there are always questions about the future of these talented young skaters -- some will return to junior hockey leagues or the NCAA for another season, while others are challenging for a spot in the opening night NHL roster.
While there may uncertainty about where some of the prospects will end up playing, there should be no doubt that these three players deserve a chance at making the big league this season.
Berkly Catton, Seattle Kraken
Catton finds himself in the same position that fellow first-round draft pick Shane Wright was in with the Kraken two years ago: on the bubble between headed back to juniors or diving head-first into NHL action. Ultimately, Seattle gave Wright an eight-game stint in the NHL before deciding he was better suited to spend another year developing in the OHL.
But the Kraken should strongly consider going a different route with Catton and instead allowing him the chance to battle it out at the highest level. He has proven himself at the WHL level with the Spokane Chiefs, notching back-to-back 100+ point seasons and then scoring 40 points in 22 postseason games as he captained his team to a second-place finish this past year.
Catton has also been spending his offseason training with NHLers like Calgary's Connor Zary and Chicago's Kevin Korchinski. He himself admitted that having the opportunity to work out and practice with higher-level players has greatly helped in his development as a player.
"This summer, I was skating with lots of NHL guys, so it's a different kind of breed going into the corner with an older guy versus a guy in the Western League, so I think just learning how to use my body properly and the strength I have gotten. "Berkly Catton to Kraken media
The 19-year-old has the flexibility to skate at center or wing, which can be a coveted skill among NHL forwards. Catton is known for his well-rounded offensive style of play that allows him to seamlessly find open areas of the ice, or create them himself with either a smart outlet pass to a teammate or a burst of speed to beat a defender to the puck. With a keen sense for making the wise play at the right time and the vision to sculpt plays, Catton is ready to make the leap to the Kraken lineup.
Sam Dickinson, San Jose Sharks
Dickinson is another one of the young players at a fork in the road: should he go back to the OHL for another campaign, or remain with the Sharks? The 19-year-old defenseman has blown away his opponents in the OHL, accomplishing every feat imaginable on a team and individual level, and it's time for him to take the next step in his development with San Jose.
As a member of the London Knights, Dickinson exploded for 91 points in 55 regular season games, following that up with 31 points in 17 playoff games en route to the team's Memorial Cup championship. Not only that, but he was named the top defenseman in the OHL as well as the CHL, which is comprised of the three top junior leagues in North America. Needless to say, Dickinson has a ton of hardware under his belt and spending another year in the OHL might hinder his development more than it would serve him.
Should Dickinson crack the Sharks lineup, the only drawback is that he would be playing a smaller role compared to his monster time on ice in the lower leagues. But Dickinson could easily challenge for second-line minutes alongside John Klingberg, who plays a very similar style of defense: smooth-skating, efficient puck-carrying through the zones, and the ability to take away space from approaching skaters and then come out of it with possession. Dickinson is more than capable of earning his place with San Jose so keep an eye on him as training camp progresses.
Beckett Sennecke, Anaheim Ducks
Sennecke is a player who the Ducks must contemplate whether to grant him another year of development in juniors or move him up to the NHL. Like the others on this list, the 19-year-old has proven himself at a lower level and would benefit greatly from the more intense competition that the NHL has to offer.
NHL Network has Sennecke ranked at No. 7 on their list of top prospects, and he has undoubtedly earned that recognition. The winger lit the lamp 36 times and tallied 86 points in 56 games with the Oshawa Generals this past season, adding 32 points in 18 playoff matchups before losing to Dickinson's London Knights in the finals.
Not only does Sennecke have the pure skill and instinct to carry him, but his style of play would be a perfect fit in the Ducks lineup. His physicality and his power to challenge puck carriers in order to gain possession is “the kind of identity the Ducks want going forward," he told RG.org. That's not to mention the pure playmaking skill he has to spring his teammates, coupled with confident skating and puckhandling that just adds to his evasiveness. With that type of highly-developed offensive prowess, it should be a no-brainer to put Sennecke on the ice for opening night.