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Kevin Stenlund: Most Underrated Prospect for Columbus Blue Jackets

By William Espy

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 13: Cleveland Monsters center Kevin Stenlund (82) is congratulated by teammates after scoring a goal during the first period of the American Hockey League game between the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and Cleveland Monsters on October 13, 2018, at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, OH. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton defeated Cleveland 4-1. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 13: Cleveland Monsters center Kevin Stenlund (82) is congratulated by teammates after scoring a goal during the first period of the American Hockey League game between the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and Cleveland Monsters on October 13, 2018, at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, OH. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton defeated Cleveland 4-1. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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The forward has potential to be a top line NHL level player for the Columbus Blue Jackets based on his fundamentals and skills.

Kevin Stenlund was drafted in the second round by the Columbus Blue Jackets at the 2015 NHL Draft. Jarmo Kekalainen and his scouts saw something in the center that the rest of the hockey world had seemingly missed.

Stenlund already has an elite shot and he’s not even in the NHL yet. He certainly has the most mesmerizing shot in the Blue Jackets organization. He almost made the Blue Jackets roster out of training camp, however he just missed the opportunity mainly due to a lack of space.

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Stenlund also shows flashes of speed on the rush, which is unusual from a 6’4″ center. If he can fill out his frame and become slightly more physical, he could turn into a Joe Thornton type of player with a better shot.

On Saturday against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Stenlund was the best player on the ice for the Monsters despite a 4-1 loss (the 1 was a Stenlund goal as well).

With Stenlund’s development going as quickly as it has, and an almost unnoticeable adjustment period to the North American style of play, he could be an NHL regular as soon as later this season. If he doesn’t get the long term call this season, he’ll almost certainly be in the NHL next season.

He’s missed a few games this season already, however when he has been on the ice he’s become the most interesting player to watch. Every time the puck touches his stick, you expect him to make some sort of play and have it result in a scoring chance.

Next. Monsters Fall to Penguins Again. dark

Kevin Stenlund has a long future ahead of himself with the Columbus Blue Jackets, the only question is when it will start.

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