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Spokane Chiefs

Spokane Chiefs season outlook: Forward depth will be key

Spokane right wing Kailer Yamamoto (17) scores the Chiefs first goal of the night past Seattle goalie Rylan Toth (31) during the first period of a WHL hockey game in the Spokane Arena, Tues., Nov. 15, 2016. (Colin Mulvany / The Spokesman-Review)
By Josh Horton joshho@spokesman.com

This is the fourth of an seven-part online series wrapping up the Spokane Chiefs’ 2016-17 season, as well as looking forward to next year. Today: The forward group.

Wednesday: The 20-year-old situation.

Friday: Young leadership emerges.

Saturday: The Goaltenders.

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One of the best lines in the WHL could be in Spokane next season.

Barring any departures, Spokane’s Kailer Yamamoto, Hudson Elynuik and Jaret Anderson-Dolan are expected to comprise the Chiefs’ top line next season, a group that boasted a combined 248 points last season.

But as its often said, it takes two more offensively potent lines to compete for a title. Does the Chiefs roster possess that moving forward? That remains to be seen.

Ethan McIndoe was fifth on the team last season with 17 goals as a 17-year-old. Hayden Ostir scored 19 points in 52 games at 17. 16-year-old Eli Zummack was thrust into a regular role and recorded 22 points in 50 games during his rookie year.

Each player, with some steps forward, could be top-six forwards for the Chiefs in future years. Riley Woods, who was acquired in a trade with Regina at the deadline, recorded 21 points in 34 games and has potential to be a point-per-game type of player.

And don’t forget about the injured.

Jake McGrew spent most of the season with a lower-body injury. But in the glimpses Carter saw in preseason, he was really impressed with what he saw.

“When I got to see him when I first came here, I said ‘This guy fits into our top six (forward) this year,” Chiefs general manager Scott Carter said. “I think he’s going to be a great addition getting back and someone fans have forgotten about, coming in on our right side and potentially replace Keanu (Yamamoto)’s minutes.”

16-year-old forward Koby Morriseau is also likely to return to the team after suffering a season-ending injury this season.

Some prospects also are presented with chances to make a name for themselves in training camp. Luke Toporowski, Carter Chorney, Cedric Chenier and Carter Jones are names to look out for.

Coming Monday: The defensive unit.