Columbus Blue Jackets: Be Cautious With Trey Fix-Wolansky

Trey Fix-Wolansky is currently looking like a steal for the Columbus Blue Jackets, but it’s best to proceed with caution.

In the seventh round of the 2018, NHL Entry Draft the Columbus Blue Jackets selected a 5’7″ forward from the Edmonton Oil Kings named Trey Fix-Wolansky. Fix-Wolansky had a great season with 32 goals and 57 assists for a total of 89 points in 71 games last season. This season seems no different, he’s making waves in the WHL by being second in the league in points.

Fix-Wolansky currently has 76 points, 25 of which are goals, through 44 games to this point in the season. While on paper these numbers seem absolutely amazing, it does make sense considering he’s 19 in a league full of 16 and 17 year olds. “Overagers” as they’ve become to be called are known for over-performing in junior leagues after they’re drafted.

It’s a constant cycle that happens in junior hockey, and as a result since Fix-Wolansky will turn 20 roughly around the end of the season, he’s one of the main ones to keep an eye on with this phenomenon.

It’s not to say that he won’t potentially be an NHL player sometime down the road, however it is highly likely that he won’t turn into a superstar like some people may be thinking. Something similar happened with Oliver Bjorkstrand in 2014-2015 when he put up 118 points in 59 games, with a total of 63 goals that season.

Fix-Wolansky’s progression in the WHL does have one positive though, he’s getting better and closer to professional hockey. As a seventh round pick, just him making it to the NHL would have him beat the odds. It’s looking like he’ll get there someday with his current development, but it will take time and it’s hard to tell just how good he’ll actually be.

Don’t get too over-hyped from his performance this season, or even next year if he stays in the WHL. With a player like Fix-Wolansky, it’s best to wait and see what happens.