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Ranking the Top 3 Rookies that could make the Columbus Blue Jackets

By Lansing Murphy

CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 23: Calvin Thurkauf #83 of the Columbus Blue Jackets looks to pass under pressure from Patrick Sharp #10 of the Chicago Blackhawks during a preseason game at the United Center on September 23, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 23: Calvin Thurkauf #83 of the Columbus Blue Jackets looks to pass under pressure from Patrick Sharp #10 of the Chicago Blackhawks during a preseason game at the United Center on September 23, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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#3 Gabriel Carlsson

Columbus Blue Jackets
COLUMBUS, OH – DECEMBER 23: Gabriel Carlsson #53 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates against the Philadelphia Flyers on December 23, 2017 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Although he has had two brief stints with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Gabriel Carlsson would still be considered a rookie if he made the squad. The Swedish defenseman has 16 games of NHL experience including a disappointing 14 games last season.

Carlsson was a 1st round pick in 2015 and has yet to make the jump to the NHL like his fellow Columbus Blue Jackets draftees of that year. Both Zach Werenski and Markus Nutivaara have played over 125 games each in the league and have made big impacts.

The odds of drafting three impact defenseman in the same draft is astronomical so Carlsson may not pan out but there are a few opportunities for him in this organization still. After losing both Ian Cole and Jack Johnson in the offseason, there are spots open further down in the defensive depth chart. Carlsson could push Scott Harrington and Dean Kukan for the 6th and 7th defenseman slot.

Carlsson could also perform well in training camp and give the front office more flexibility in how they handle the expiring contracts of Ryan Murray and Scott Harrington. Both would be nice trade options as serviceable defenseman with no financial burden following this season.

Carlsson is going to have to show that he took a major step forward after a disappointing 17-18 season but he could be on the Jackets opening night roster.

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