The Columbus Blue Jackets made two picks on day one of the NHL draft, selecting defenseman Jackson Smith from the WHL with pick #14; and Russian goaltender Pyotr Andreyanov with pick #20. On the second day of the draft, they don't own any picks until the fourth round after trading away their picks in rounds two and three.
At the start of the day, the Jackets own picks number 109 (round 4), 160 (round 5), 173 (round 6), 205 (round 7), and 218 (round 7). I wouldn't be surprised to see them try to move up at some point, but thus far, we have been underwhelmed by their movement despite a lot of rumors around the team.
Barring any trades, we will just be looking to see the team add some depth to its already impressive prospect pool.
So far, the Jackets have had a busy week; trading away long-time backup goaltender Daniil Tarasov to the Florida Panthers for a fifth round pick, and acquiring Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for prospect Gavin Brindley and a couple of draft picks. They were unable to find a bigger trade yesterday, instead using both of their first round picks themselves.
We are currently watching as the team circles around in some other trade rumors. They are still looking to add a top-six winger, as well as some adjustments to their defense corps. And, lest we forget: sweeping changes may still be coming in goal.
Even if they are unable to make changes to the NHL roster today, this should be a busy day for the team as they try to find pieces that can help this team into the future.
As the team makes its picks today, we'll keep track of them and update this article after each one. We will do our best to provide a breakdown on each of them, though if yesterday's #20 overall pick is any indication, we might be in for surprises. Stay tuned!
TRADE: Jackets move up in the draft, acquiring pick #76.
Blue Jackets trade pick #109 along with a 2026 fourth round pick to the Detroit Red Wings for pick #76. With that selection, the Jackets take Swedish defender Malte Vass.
Round 3, #76 overall: D Malte Vass (SWE)
Vass is listed at 6'2" and nearly 200 pounds, and is touted as one of the best defensive defensemen in the draft. He's a good skater with solid gap control and a willingness to play the body. He's committed to Boston University this fall, so the Jackets will benefit from watching him develop in North America.
Round 5, #160 overall: C Owen Griffin (OHL)
The Blue Jackets used the pick acquired in the Daniil Tarasov trade to select Oshawa Generals center Owen Griffin. Listed at 5'10" and 172 pounds, Griffin had a strong second half to the season and could be a rising asset. He's touted as a talented scorer who works hard on both sides of the puck. Having just turned 18 in April, he's a bit of a project; but with good overall upside.
Round 6, #173 overall: D Victor Hedin Raftheim (SWE)
Just 13 picks after taking a small center, the Jackets go right back to the big, athletic defenseman mold with Sweden's Victor Hedin Raftheim. The 6'4", 190 pound blue liner is very raw, but with projectable traits as an offensive defenseman. He's oe of the youngest players available in this year's draft, so like their previous pick, he's a long-term project.
Trade: the Jackets trade picks #205 and #218 in exchange for pick #198.
Round 7, #198 overall: C Jeremy Loranger (BCHL)
The Blue Jackets opted to package both of their 7th round picks and move up 7 spots to select undersized center Jeremy Loranger from the BCHL's Sherwood Park Crusaders. Playing in tier 2 junior this season, he scored like you would expect an NHL draft pick to score; with 40 goals and 105 points in 54 games played. Loranger is touted as a creative offensive player with a good shot and general elusiveness. He's committed to the University of Nebraska-Omaha for next season.