We're only two games into the Blue Jackets' season so far, but some of the team's prospects are already showing great signs of improvement, and it never hurts to continue to have solid pieces for the future.
One of those pieces is Alessandro Di Iorio, who the Blue Jackets drafted 94th overall in this past draft. Even at the time, he looked like a potential steal at that spot, as he is overflowing with offensive potential despite struggling with an injury last season.
Alessandro Di Iorio is proving his value in multiple ways
It's not just his offense that makes him exciting, as Di Iorio remained the captain of the Sarnia Sting after earning that title last year. Through seven games, the Sting are 4-2-1 despite finishing near the bottom of the OHL the previous season.
As an individual, Di Iorio already has three goals and five assists after playing in six of those games, tying him for second-highest on the team.
He looks like he gained a step this offseason, using speed and intelligence to pick apart opposing teams. Di Iorio already has a couple great goals, including this one where he jumps on a loose puck in the neutral zone before converting on a 2-on-1 rush.
DIO LETS IT RIP👏👏
— Sarnia Sting (@StingHockey) September 27, 2026
Alessandro Di Iorio (1) gets his first of the season. Assisted by Landon Pickersgill.
SAR 4 - OTT 2 pic.twitter.com/Yv1GDRoJom
I have raved about Di Iorio already after the Blue Jackets drafted him in the third round, and this just solidifies the fact that he may have been severely underrated in the draft class.
He was actually drafted second overall in the OHL draft back in 2024, and was seen as a fantastic prospect coming into juniors. However, two mediocre seasons on a team that didn't improve much around him contributed to him falling off the radars of scouts.
With the Sarnia Sting off to a much stronger start so far this sason, Di Iorio should have a great chance to break out in junior hockey, and may be able to get his first experience in the playoffs at this level.
I'm hoping that his leadership combined with underestimated offensive skill can lead to him making a splash in the OHL this year and emerging as one of the better prospects in the Blue Jackets organization.
We ranked him 18th in our annual summer prospects coverage, and if he can keep the offense going he might be able to make it into the top ten. It'll take a lot more than six games to prove that he's something special, but you can't ask for a much better start for your 18-year-old prospect.
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