Columbus Blue Jackets Look Toward the Entry Draft
Sure the Columbus Blue Jackets don’t have a 1st round pick. But four picks could fill some needs in the farm system.
What a night in Vegas. The Columbus Blue Jackets pull off a big trade with the Vegas Golden Knights freeing up some cap space and protecting young stars.
But it came at a high price. The deal included the 2017 1st round pick going to the desert. That leaves the Jackets without a pick until the third round which won’t happen until Saturday.
The Jackets still have four picks this year. They also have already landed a top goalie prospect in Matiss Kivlenieks three weeks ago. This signing is just as good as a top draft pick itself.
Related Story: CBJ Land Top Goalie Prospect
Plus let’s not underestimate Jarmo’s ability to hit on players drafted late. Jarmo has proven he can find gems in the late rounds. Look no further than the big year Markus Nutiavaara had this year. Nuti was a 7th round draft pick.
CBJ Needs
So what are the Jackets looking to add? There has been plenty of talk about the Jackets needing a sniper on the squad. Remember though that the players drafted this weekend won’t sniff the NHL for at least two more seasons. So long term planning is a must.
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The Jackets are relatively set with wingers over the next few seasons with promising players like Kegan Kolesar, Vitalii Abramov, and Kole Sherwood to name a few. All look like they can contribute in the NHL soon.
Columbus needs to add center depth and a goalie in their four picks this year. It can not be understated how valuable center depth is in the NHL and the Jackets could use some.
Only Pierre-Luc Dubois will find his way to the NHL soon for sure. Besides that, only Calvin Thurkaf looks like he could find his way to the Columbus Blue Jackets soon.
With four picks on day two, the Jackets should use at least two of them on centers. In Jarmo We Trust to find yet another sleeper late in the draft.