The Columbus Blue Jackets were not slated to select until 86 in the 2017 NHL Draft, but they traded back into the second round.
The Vegas Knights traded the 45th pick to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for prospect Keegan Kolesar. With the 45th selection, Columbus selected French centeraman Alexandre Texier.
Texier is a 17-year-old from Grenoble, France. In the French league Texier tallied 19 points in 40 games. Also in the French League, he won the Jean Pierre-Graff trophy which is given to the best young player in the French league. According to TSN’s Bob McKenzie, Texier was the 55th ranked prospect in this year’s draft.
Related Story: CBJ Ship Kolesar for Questionable Pick at 45
While Texier may be a quality pick, the Columbus Blue Jackets gave up one of there highest rising prospects in Keegan Kolesar. Kolesar was drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets 69th in the 2015 draft. Kolesar was most impressive in the WHL playoffs scoring 31 points in 19 games.
Columbus Selects Daniil Tarsov 86th
With their next pick, the Columbus Blue Jackets selected goalie Russian goaltender Daniil Tarasov. Tarasov did not play last season due to injury but was impressive in 2015-2016 U18 WJC posting a 2.11 goals against average and .921 save percentage.
Tarasov’s connection to Columbus goalie Sergei Bobrovsky is more than nationality. Bobrovsky’s idol growing up was Vadim Tarasov. Which happens to be Daniil’s father. This more than a Russian connection.
Daniil Tarasov's father, Vadim, was a 1999 draft pick of Montreal & the goaltender @SergeiBobrovsky idolized growing up. #CBJ #2017NHLDraft
— CBJ Public Relations (@BlueJacketsPR) June 24, 2017
The Columbus Blue Jackets Select Emil Bemstrom 117th
Along with Tarasov, the Columbus Blue Jackets selected Swedish forward, Emil Bemstrom 117th overall. Bemstrom joins Gabriel Carlsson and Alexander Wennberg in the Columbus Blue Jackets organization. Bemstrom tallied 33 points in 28 games in the Swedish Junior League.
Out of the first three picks, Columbus made three solid picks. Blue Jackets management stated they would have taken Texier in the first round if they would have kept their pick at number 24. This shows great value with their 45th overall pick.
Columbus is not looking for a pick to fill in immediately, so these players selected on the second day of the draft will have time to try to grow into complete pros. In the past the Blue Jackets needed picks to produce immediately. That urgency is no longer needed due to Jarmo’s previous drafts. This one will turn out to be just as solid.