Columbus Blue Jackets Prospects Finish WHL Regular Season
The Western Hockey League is heading into their playoffs. With several future Columbus Blue Jackets playing important roles, we recap their season’s.
The Columbus Blue Jackets farm system is one of the top in the NHL. The depth and talent is shown in the Western Hockey League (WHL) where three CBJ prospects will be heading to the playoffs. Sam Ruopp, Keegan Kolesar and Calvin Thurkaüf will all play leading roles for their respective teams.
Sam Ruopp
Sam Ruopp is a physical, old school style defenseman that plays for the Prince George Cougars. Drafted in the 5th round in 2015, the 21-year-old has played in Prince George for the last four full seasons, including three as Captain.
The native of Saskatchewan led the team’s defenseman in scoring and was named the Defensive Player of the Year for the Cougars. His 4-20-24 in only 55 games was his best point per game in the WHL thus far. His production offensively has increased while decreasing his PIM and keeping up his stout defensive play.
.@PGCougars d-man @_Ruopp2 wins Defensive Player of the Year, presented by alum #EricBrewer via webcam #CityOfPG @mypgnow pic.twitter.com/m3uOvPoE3j
— Kyle Balzer (@KyleBalzer) March 19, 2017
Ruopp is not afraid to drop the gloves.He missed eight games for a game misconduct he received in a November 2nd game where he dished out some pain. He also fought fellow CBJ prospect Keegan Kolesar in a December 16th game.
The Captain has led his team to the top spot in the British Columbia division. The PG Cougars will play the Portland Winterhawks in the first round of the playoffs. The defenseman has not signed a contract with the CBJ though.
Keegan Kolesar
Kolesar finished up another impressive regular season as the Seattle Thunderbirds just missed out claiming the top spot in the Western Conference. Keegan continued scoring at a high rate with 26-34-60 over only 54 games. Kolesar had a 15 game points streak during the season as well.
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The winger has an offensive edge to his game that is frustrating to opponents. Kolesar’s play will make him an attractive prospect to Coach John Tortorella. He works hard on the backcheck and grinds away while finishing well around the net.
Kolesar will look to have another big postseason performance. Last season he had 15 points in 16 games as the Thunderbirds made the WHL Finals. The Thunderbirds will open with the Tri-City Americans.
Calvin Thurkaüf
The most intriguing of the WHL prospects the CBJ have is Calvin Thurkaüf. The Swiss center is from a small town with an awesome name, Zug.
The 19-year-old put up 70 points this season with 33 goals and 37 assist. Thats a 25 point increase from 2015-2016 year all while playing one less game. Thurkaüf was named team MVP for the Kelwona Rockets.
First European born player to be named @Kelowna_Rockets MVP - Swiss born forward Calvin Thurkauf. Team high 33 goals in 60 games. #Zug pic.twitter.com/0ofjf1f8p1
— Regan Bartel (@Reganrant) March 20, 2017
The Swiss teenager also Captained his country’s team in the World Junior Championships in Canada this year. The first European born MVP for the Rockets will lead them as they look to build on their Western Conference Final run last year that was ended by Kolesar’s Thunderbirds. Thurkaüf and Kelowna open with the Kamloops Blazers.
The Columbus Blue Jackets have to be happy with the improvement all the prospects have made this season. Certainly they will have their chance to tryout again this summer, but I don’t foresee any of them making the team. Thurkauf and Kolesar must continue their offensive improvement and Ruopp should fit nicely in Cleveland next season.