Columbus Blue Jackets Trade Prospect Kolesar for 45th Pick
Jarmo made a move early on day two of the NHL entry draft. The Columbus Blue Jackets give up top prospect Keegan Kolesar for the 45th pick.
The Columbus Blue Jackets pulled off their third trade in two days around the NHL Entry Draft. The deal involved the Vegas Golden Knights and a top prospect in the CBJ farm system.
Early in day two of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft the Jackets sent 20-year-old Keegan Kolesar to Vegas for the 45th overall pick. The Jackets ended up selecting Frenchman Alexandre Texier, a 17-year-old centre, but more on him later.
Kolesar was a prospect that many, including myself, had high hopes for. Even so high as to spending signifcant time in the NHL this season. The power forward dominated the WHL regular season and playoffs this year. His 6’2″ 225 pound build had many thinking the scorer could be a solid contributor for years to come in Central Ohio.
Columbus Blue Jackets
But Jarmo dealt the promising forward for the 45th pick that ended up being the highest Frenchman picked in NHL Draft. The left shooting centerman spent the last season in the French professional league and played well considering he was playing against grown men. He scored 10 goals and nine assist in 40 games.
Texier shined in the playoffs though. He netted five goals and five assist in 12 games. Again this is a 17-year-old playing against men. His 6 foot 185 pound frame for sure took a beating.
Alexandre is one of the youngest player in the entry draft and will certainly take some time before he sniffs the NHL. His next step is unknown but I hope he ends up in the QMJHL. He could acclimate to the North American game and could do so with the language he speaks.
Why Trade Kolesar?
This question can be answered by looking back at what Jarmo did in the expansion draft. The team spent heavily to protect Joonas Korpisalo, and more importantly apparently, Josh Anderson. Kolesar is a large, powerful forward with a knack for finding the net.
Jarmo must see that Kolesar plays the same role as Anderson. I don’t understand why the Jackets couldn’t use two players in that mold. Keegan will start the season in the AHL and it will surprise me if Kolesar is not in Vegas by the middle of the season.
The Jackets got a player with a volatile expected future. He has a fairly high ceiling but also a high probability of crashing. Kolesar on the other hand has been steadily improving and is a solid prospect that I would take to the bank on contributing in the NHL soon.
I’m not a fan but I hope that Texier and the Jackets prove me wrong. Welcome to the Blue Jackets Alexandre Texier.