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Columbus Blue Jackets 2023 NHL Draft Preview and Predictions

By Curtis Deem

Jul 7, 2022; Montreal, Quebec, CANADA; Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen announces David Jiricek (not pictured) as the number six overall pick to the Columbus Blue Jackets in the first round of the 2022 NHL Draft at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 7, 2022; Montreal, Quebec, CANADA; Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen announces David Jiricek (not pictured) as the number six overall pick to the Columbus Blue Jackets in the first round of the 2022 NHL Draft at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports /
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We’re just one day away from the first round of the 2023 NHL Draft. The Blue Jackets currently hold seven picks, including the third overall selection, where they’re expected to take their future #1 center.

The drama may very well begin with that Jacket pick, if things go according to plan. There is virtually zero doubt that the Chicago Blackhawks will make Regina Pats superstar Connor Bedard the first overall selection. After that, it’s likely that the Anaheim Ducks will take University of Michigan center Adam Fantilli with the second pick.

With the Jackets sitting third, things are less than clear. If you’re listening to the experts, Swedish forward Leo Carlsson is on a tier by himself as the third best player in this draft. He’s expected to go to Columbus, and he meets all of the parameters you would want in a future top line center. But, if there’s one thing we know about Jarmo Kekalainen and his scouting staff here: they don’t always make the trendy or expected pick.

If they choose not to go with Leo Carlsson, there are is one other center option. The rumblings of the insiders over the last few days point to the Jackets having a keen interest in USNTDP center Will Smith. He wouldn’t be an “off the board” pick (most people see him going anywhere from pick 3-6) – but, it would be a little bit of drama, if you have followed along with the draft rankings and coverage.

There is also the off change that Anaheim takes either Carlsson or Russian forward Matvei Michkov second overall – that would be more than bold considering the season Fantilli had this year. If that were the case, I see zero chance that the Jackets pass on Fantilli, regardless how strongly they feel about any of the other prospects.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JUNE 05: Top prospect Leo Carlsson speaks to the media prior to Game Two of the 2023 NHL Stanley Cup Final between the Florida Panthers and the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena on June 05, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JUNE 05: Top prospect Leo Carlsson speaks to the media prior to Game Two of the 2023 NHL Stanley Cup Final between the Florida Panthers and the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena on June 05, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

List of current CBJ Draft Picks at the 2023 NHL Draft:

First round (#3 overall)

Second round (#34 overall)

Third round (#66 overall)

Fourth round (#98 overall)

Fourth round (#114 overall – from WPG)

Fifth round (#156 overall – from BOS)

Seventh round (#194 overall)

Round 1 of the draft will be broadcast nationally on ESPN, beginning at 7:00PM Eastern, Wednesday night. Rounds 2-7 will be broadcast via the NHL Network on Thursday, beginning at 11:00AM Eastern. As far as what we think will happen, well, we do have some predictions…

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