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Columbus Blue Jackets Pierre-Luc Dubois Passing Puljujarvi

By Lansing Murphy

NIAGARA FALLS, NY - JUNE 23: (L-R) NHL top draft prospects Pierre-Luc Dubois, Auston Matthews, Matthew Tkachuk, Patrik Laine and Jesse Puljujarvi pose together before riding the Maid of the Mist on June 23, 2016 in Niagara Falls, New York. (Photo by Bill Wippert/NHLI via Getty Images)
NIAGARA FALLS, NY - JUNE 23: (L-R) NHL top draft prospects Pierre-Luc Dubois, Auston Matthews, Matthew Tkachuk, Patrik Laine and Jesse Puljujarvi pose together before riding the Maid of the Mist on June 23, 2016 in Niagara Falls, New York. (Photo by Bill Wippert/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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Columbus Blue Jackets forward Pierre-Luc Dubois is showing why he was the number three overall pick and not Jesse Puljujarvi.

Pierre-Luc Dubois is showing why he was taken third overall in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. The Columbus Blue Jackets’ top prospect will soon shed that title and become a full fledged NHLer. Dubois put on a show in the first few days of training camp and in the Traverse City tournament; he has all but locked up a spot in the NHL.

When Dubois was drafted third overall, there was uproar. The Finn Jesse Puljujarvi was the clear number three prospect in the draft and everyone expected Finn GM Jarmo Kekalainen to take him. It was almost a no-brainer.

But Jarmo took the center from Quebec and it is finally showing why. Jarmo is the first European GM in the NHL and he has extensive history scouting Europe and connections on that continent. So we all should have just relaxed when he drafted Dubois and expected this day to come when Dubois looks more NHL-ready than Puljujarvi. That day is now.

Dubois carried great momentum into this offseason and preseason following an impressive second half in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Following a trade to Blainville-Boisbriand Armada midway through the year, Dubois put it all together and started playing like a top draft pick.

He dominated in the QMJHL playoffs and singlehandedly carried his team to the finals. Throw in a great performance at the international tournaments and you have yourself a stud prospect ready to make the jump to the NHL.

Columbus Blue Jackets
Columbus Blue Jackets /

Columbus Blue Jackets

Dubois was a dominating force in the Traverse City tournament, playing center on a line with Calvin Thurkauf and Vitaly Abramov. The three were clearly head and shoulders above the rest of the tournament. Dubois often times skated figurative circles around opponents.

And he’s done just that. According to all reports from camp, Dubois is sticking out even when playing amongst men.

It’s all but assured now Dubois will make the team. And we can’t wait.

What About Puljujarvi

No doubt Jesse has a bright future. He has played well in the AHL but hasn’t translated his hype to the NHL. He only scored one goal in 28 games before being sent down the AHL.

No one should be doubting his ability though. But there are still questions surrounding him that don’t seem to be getting answered. He has already failed at stepping into the NHL spot he was supposed to fill immediately and hasn’t been particularly dominant in camp. So will he step up this year or need another year with Edmonton’s AHL affiliate in Bakersfield?

Next: CBJ Preseason Viewing Guide

While questions remain around Puljujarvi, Dubois has silenced critics with his play. And he has done this while playing a more difficult and valuable position at center.

Edmonton expects Puljujarvi to play 82 games in the NHL this season. Just as the Columbus Blue Jackets now expect Pierre-Luc Dubois to play a full season in Ohio. This season we will truly see if Dubois was worth the number three pick.

Spoiler Alert: He is.

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