A couple of Cleveland Monsters improved their stock in a big way this season.
5. (8) C Luca del bel Belluz 6'1", 195 pounds. 2nd round (#144 overall), 2022 NHL Draft. NHL projection: middle six two-way center. Stats: 27g, 26a, 53pts for Cleveland (AHL); 2g, 6a, 8pts in 15gp for the Blue Jackets. Will return to the Monsters this fall. How we ranked him: Curtis (5), Matt (5), Mike (5).
Why we ranked him here: Luca's second year in the AHL showed massive improvement over his first. He tripled his goal output and nearly doubled his points total. His confidence then carried over to the NHL when he was recalled, and he found ways to be productive in a second line role over a brief stint for the Blue Jackets.
Still, he wasn't quite ready. Don Waddell wisely built up his center depth this summer, acquiring two players to shore things up and allow LDBB some more time to develop. I think Luca is in for a huge year in the AHL next season, which should give him the confidence to make the jump to the NHL some time in 2026. He's a true center, responsible on both sides of the puck and capable of distributing it. I believe he'll be very effective in the middle of the CBJ lineup before we know it.
4. (10) G Jet Greaves 6'0", 179 pounds. Signed as an undrafted free agent, February 2022. NHL projection: 1B goaltender. Stats: .920% save percentage, 2.62GAA in 40gp for Cleveland (AHL); .938% save percentage, 1.91GAA in 11gp for the Blue Jackets. On an NHL only contract, will play for Columbus this fall. How we ranked him: Curtis (4), Matt (4), Mike (4).
Why we ranked him here: Sorry for the pun, but Jet has taken off. All he has done since joining the CBJ organization is continue to improve, to the point that he became one of the best goaltenders not in the NHL last season. He has been fantastic for the Monsters, particularly over the last two seasons; giving them a chance to win most every night.
More impressive: he's somehow been even better for the Blue Jackets. He stepped in late this season and almost pulled this team into the playoffs, winning NHL first star of the week honors late in the year. He posted a 7-2-2 record with 2 shutouts in 11 starts, and was easily the most reliable option the Jackets had down the stretch. Now 24, he's on the roster full time, and has earned his shot to show what he can do with this team next season.
Getting down to the top-3. We were not unanimous with our picks...