What to Expect When You’re Expecting…CBJ 2015 NHL Draft Expectations
Today is the Draft! We’re going to keep you posted throughout the day on any rumors and developments for our Columbus Blue Jackets but before we dive into all that jazz let’s get real with our expectations for tonight.
Jarmo’s draft strategy is known to take the best available, look no further than than the 2013 Draft when he took 3 offensemen with the Jackets’ 3 first rounders, followed by another with the team’s lone first round pick in 2014. Combine that with the recent success of Ryan Johansen, Captain Nick Foligno and the end of season return from injury resurgence of Brandon Dubinsky and it’s clear the glaring need is defenceman. And that was before the departure of the snobby defenceman who must not be named.
I feel Jarmo understands this and is looking at adding a defenceman based on his recent comments to the Blue Jackets website, “We have a lot of forwards on our reserve list right now too. It’s an exciting time for us.” The aroma of his comments has me sniffing down the defenceman trail.
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He goes on to say this about the possibility of trading up, “I’ve talked to every other team ahead of us to see if there’s a chance, what the chance might be, and what it would take.” Now this is something I want my GM to always know. How can you properly navigate the whirlwind seas of the Draft if you don’t have a map? This is due diligence but again it feels more when you add the puzzle together (Why do they call it Puzzles?…That’s the PUZZLE!).
“But I think the optimal situation would be, in our case, we see what’s available at (No. 8) and then get to 5 or 6 and see if it’s there anymore or if we have to move to 6 to get him. But at the end of the day, 6 might not be available at that time anymore.” This makes me believe they have a short list of prospects they’d like to take this high or a few guys rated above and beyond the others.
Who could that be? I think Noah Hanifin fits into this mold, maybe even Zach Werenski (who we selected in the 2015 Fansided Mock Draft) though I feel like Werenski will fall into the Jackets’ lap but no one ever knows, that’s the uncertainty of the draft. I believe wholeheartedly that you do whatever is reasonable to get your guy. If you have to give up a 4th round pick to move a slot up, do it, busts and superstars are typically a pick apart. Better to guarantee your guy than grab what mostly turns out to be a lottery ticket with a 4th round pick.
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Getting back to Hanifin, he was almost collectively the number 3 prospect on most boards at the end of the regular season, though as of late he seems to be losing a bit of stream for some reason on draft boards. I can see why he might be an attractive trade up scenario. If Jarmo stays true to his perceived draft strategy then he’s not going to reach for a prospect. It’s better to go up and get the guy you truly want than settle, especially with the ammunition the Jackets are currently carrying for this year’s draft, home of six of the first 69 picks.
Hanifin tops my realistic wish list and I believe he does for Jarmo as well. Jarmo knows he needs to start diversifying his bonds and add some defensive talent to the team but can’t imagine wasting an asset as valuable as the #8 overall pick. To me, this is the biggest indication that he’s targeting a defenceman.
I believe tomorrow will either be a trade up for a sliding Hanifin or Werenski at the #8th.
Make sure to hang out with us all day today as we’ll keep the site flowing, then hang with us in person over at Front Street Plaza in front of Nationwide Arena for the Jackets’ Draft Party!