The Blue Jackets added six new prospects to their organization at this year's NHL Draft. Their future is only getting brighter, as several of these players land inside of our top-20 rankings this summer.
Yesterday, we ran through all of the honorable mentions. Spoiler: if you missed it, there are a LOT of them. And, the prospect pool within the organization is so good that some of the honorable mention players could see NHL time - one of them in the near future. That kind of prospect depth is good to have, and it speaks to the quality of players that are ranked inside of our top-20. Let's dive in.
Top prospect list notes:
This list was compiled by a collective ranking from all of the writers at Union and Blue: Matthew Duffey, Mike Stump, and Curtis Deem. We only include players 24 years and under, with fewer than 25 NHL games. Previous rankings are the number in parenthesis (HM = honorable mention; NR = not ranked). Stats are from the previous season, in the league where each player spent the most time. Projections are based on top-end upside. Note at the end is where each player will spend their 2025-26 season.
20. (previous ranking: NR) C Owen Griffin 5'10", 160 pounds. 5th round (#160 overall, 2025 NHL Draft. NHL projection: third line two-way center. Stats: 22g, 29a, 51pts in 62 games for Oshawa (OHL). Will return to Oshawa this fall. How we ranked him: Curtis (18), Matt (NR), Mike (19).
Why we ranked him here: Owen has drawn quite a bit of praise for his maturing two-way game. Over the second half of the junior season, he was a big riser in the draft rankings because his offensive game started to show out. At the draft, he was drawing comparisons to Tampa Bay's Anthony Cirelli. If Owen can reach anywhere near that level, he will be a huge steal for the Blue Jackets.
Griffin is heading back to the Oshawa Generals this fall, and he will be leaned upon more heavily to carry the offensive load as they are losing some talented players to the pro ranks. It will be interesting to see how the 18 year old center adjusts to more responsibilities.
19. (17) C Hunter McKown 6'1", 192 pounds. Signed as an undrafted free agent, March 2023. Projection: middle six two-way center. Stats: 13g, 18a, 31pts in 68 games for Cleveland (AHL). Will play for the Monsters again this fall, unless he cracks the NHL roster. How we ranked him: Curtis (19), Matt (NR), Mike (17).
Why we ranked him here: Hunter was leaned upon more heavily for the Monsters this season, and he responded by setting new career highs in games played, goals, assists, and points. As a right-hand shooting center, he's a rare commodity within the system. He comes with a tenacious work ethic, quick release, and a maturing all-around game that could earn him a look in Columbus soon, rather than later.
The only issue here is, the Jackets just added two more centers to their NHL roster. Suddenly, the door is closing on McKown within the organization. A strong training camp could springboard him into a bigger AHL season - which might open that door again.
Our list continues on the next slide with two longer-term prospects.