The order has been decided for the lottery picks within the 2025 NHL Draft, and groups that didn’t make the playoffs know the place they are going to be selecting. The Columbus Blue Jackets, who possess the 14th overall pick (in addition to the Minnesota Wild’s first spherical decide) have an important alternative forward of them.
Coming into the season, they have been anticipated to be a bottom-feeder. The tragedy of the Gaudreau brothers appeared to provoke the staff, and so they have been in competition for a playoff spot till the very finish of the season. Now, the Jackets have an opportunity to make use of the NHL Draft to inventory an already spectacular prospect pool. Try these Ohio sports betting promos and prepare for subsequent season of NHL.
Gamers the Columbus Blue Jackets Might Be Concentrating on
The great factor for the Blue Jackets is that they already know the place each picks fall. Their very own decide got here in at #14 within the draft lottery, plus they’ve the 20th total decide from the Minnesota Wild. These are only a few of the names the Blue Jackets could be targeting with their first-round picks.
Lyden Lakovic, LW, Moose Jaw Warriors
If there’s a urgent want that the Blue Jackets might handle, it’s at left wing. The Blue Jackets might fill a gap and acquire a top-level prospect within the course of. Lakovic has nice measurement at 6’4” 190, and excellent skating for somebody his measurement.
His shot is excellent and that body might turn out to be an asset at defending the puck. The Jackets have a litany of facilities that ought to turn out to be key items for the franchise, now Lakovic has the possibility to turn out to be the very best left-wing prospect within the group.
Malcolm Spence, LW, Erie Otters
If the Blue Jackets are particularly concentrating on left wing with the 14th decide and Lakovic is off the board, Spence might be a fantastic comfort prize. He has sturdy measurement at 6’2” 200, and performs a powerful two-way sport, displaying a powerful compete degree that’s powerful to create on the subsequent degree.
His ceiling might not be as excessive as Lakovic, however his flooring could also be larger. Plus, it’s powerful to seek out defensively accountable wingers at this age, and Spence might step in straight away and never be a legal responsibility in his personal finish. Addressing a key space of want is simply the icing on the cake.
Joshua Ravensbergen, G, Prince George
This may be an attention-grabbing decide given the emergence of Jet Greaves on the finish of the season, plus Evan Gardner being probably attention-grabbing prospects in Sergei Ivanov and Evan Gardner ready within the wings.
The highest ranked North American goaltender, Ravensbergen is large, has nice athleticism, and robust method. He could be the clear prime prospect among the many Blue Jackets’ goaltending group, somebody who might take the helm 2-4 years down the road.
Jackson Smith, D, Tri-Metropolis
As a result of they’ve two picks within the first spherical, the Blue Jackets can’t solely handle their lack of depth on the left wing place however add to their depth defensively. It’s extremely anticipated that they are going to use at the least a type of picks on a defenseman, although it relies upon who is on the market at 14 and 20.
Smith is an effective skater, able to main the push by means of the impartial zone. Smith has proven potential to be an influence play quarterback, to man the penalty kill, and to guide the cost whereas in transition. The Blue Jackets want extra depth on the again finish and Smith could be a wonderful match.
Kashawn Aitcheson, D, Barrie
Powerful, bodily defensemen are powerful to return by within the NHL. Ones that may additionally skate and add a contact of offense are even more durable to seek out. Aitcheson might be a unbelievable addition to an already spectacular array of younger defensive expertise and will stand out as a throwback heavy hitter.
He’s aggressive but sensible, impressing in Barrie whereas taking part in towards the hardest competitors every night time. Although he might not be the premium right-handed shot that entrance places of work crave, he initiatives as a high quality, bodily, tough-to-play-against prime 4 defenseman on the subsequent degree.
Taking the Greatest Participant Out there
The Blue Jackets positively have a necessity with regards to depth at left wing, however they actually don’t have a urgent want. They’ve a number of high-quality prospects at middle and protection within the pipeline, so that they have a chance to decide on the very best participant out there right here.
Each staff might stand to not solely get extra proficient, however nastier as effectively. Selecting somebody like Aitcheson might be a great play as a result of he gained’t be pressed into motion any time quickly and can have time to develop. The Blue Jackets have a novel alternative right here and may solely add to top-of-the-line prospect swimming pools within the league.
