Like any rebuild, the Jackets have had the benefit of growing a healthy wave of prospects and young players in recent years as a result of their playoff drought. Many players drafted during this six year period have already grown into budding NHL talent and have found roles throughout the lineup to varying degrees of success, such as Adam Fantilli, Denton Mateychuk, Cole Sillinger, and others.
This year marks an interesting crossroads for the Jackets prospect pool, as there is certainly more young talent in the system that is on the way, but many of them likely won't be ready to reinforce the roster until next season at the earliest. In short, I believe the number of players making their NHL debuts in the Union Blue this year will be low.
But that isn't to say there are not roster spots up for grabs and new impressions to be made this season. It is a perfect opportunity for players stuck in the mushy middle, namely members of last years' Cleveland Monsters roster, to make an impact. No player should be more excited for this phenomenon than 22-year-old Luca Del Bel Belluz.
Taken in the second round of the 2022 draft with pick #44, the Woodbridge Ontario native has been a name mentioned often when talking about promising pieces that the Blue Jackets have in store for the future. He has seen at least 1 game of NHL action in each of the last three seasons.
During that time he also played nearly 200 games for the AHL's Cleveland Monsters. Meaning just because he hasn't quite found a way to cement himself as a full-timer yet in his young career, it doesn't mean he has a lack of experience against other pro players.
In 30 games across three years, Del Bel Belluz has tallied 3 goals, and 7 assists for 10 points. A good stat line on paper for a young forward. However, he struggled last year as a tweener between the two leagues, getting called up and sent down on multiple occasions, and was rarely given a chance to contribute above a 4th line role. This resulted in the 14 games he played last year where he collected just 1 assist, and never found the back of the net.
Despite the tough circumstances last season, I'm of the opinion a lot more stock should be put into his AHL numbers than his short bursts at the top level. He led the Monsters last season with 58 points in 55 games, and co-led them during their playoff run as well.
His playmaking ability and vision have become handy tools in his arsenal, and those who tune into Monsters hockey know how frequently he involves himself in pivotal moments during games. A strong two-way center at his best, he's the kind of player any team could use more of.
With a familiar looking forward core going into next season, the ever-present possibility of injuries in the lineup, as well as a head coach that seems fired up and focused on change, Del Bel Belluz will likely have ample opportunity to break out as a full time player this year.
At 22 years old there is still runway left in his development, so I wouldn't definitively say it's a make or break year, but I can't think of a better chance he could get then this. Another 14 game stretch with 1 point to show for it will make things a lot more difficult for him to become more than the next Trey Fix-Wolansky.
At the AHL level, there is nothing left to prove for Del Bel Belluz, and with luck, I could see him making the team out of camp. Whether or not he makes the most of the opportunity will remain to be seen. But if he does end up making an impact this season, the Jackets will confidently have a talented two-way forward for the future, and a valuable piece that will do a lot for their stability issues.
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