Martin Necas, F, Carolina Hurricanes
No. 12 pick in 2017 NHL Draft
The 20-year-old struggled in his adjustment to the NHL last season, when he played seven games and averaged 10:01 of ice time before showing a lot more confidence in Charlotte (AHL), where he had 52 points (16 goals, 36 assists) and five power-play goals in 64 games. He could earn a top nine role and offer secondary scoring as a right wing on a line with center Erik Haula. Necas (6-2, 189) had 13 points (five goals, eight assists) in 18 AHL playoff games, helping Charlotte to its first Calder Cup championship.
Victor Olofsson, F, Buffalo Sabres
No. 181 pick in 2014 NHL Draft
Olofsson (5-11, 181) gained top-line minutes with center Jack Eichel and forward Sam Reinhart in the preseason. The 24-year-old had four points (two goals, two assists) in six games with in his first NHL call-up late last season. He scored 117 points (60 goals, 57 assists) in 200 career games with MODO and Frolunda in the Swedish Hockey League.
Sam Steel, C, Anaheim Ducks
No. 30 pick in 2016 NHL Draft
Steel scored five goals in the final five games of the regular season and finished with 11 points (six goals, five assists) and an 18.2 shooting percentage in 22 games. A candidate for a spot in the top six, Steel (5-11, 189) has impressed alongside linemates Rickard Rakell and Jakob Silfverberg in the preseason. He had 41 points (20 goals, 21 assists) in 53 AHL games and ranked tied for fourth among AHL rookies with 13 points (six goals, seven assists) in 16 playoff games for San Diego last season.
Alexandre Texier, F, Columbus Blue Jackets
No. 45 pick in 2017 NHL Draft
The 20-year-old may earn significant time in the lineup, including on the first power-play unit after the Blue Jackets lost Panarin and center Matt Duchene in free agency. Texier, who may open the season with Pierre-Luc Dubois and Cam Atkinson, made an immediate impact in the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season, scoring three points (two goals, one assist) in eight games. Texier (6-0, 187) had 41 points (14 goals, 27 assists) in 55 games for KalPa in Liiga, and seven points (five goals, two assists) in seven games for Cleveland of the AHL last season.