It's been almost a full year since we last ranked the top prospects for the Columbus Blue Jackets, and quite a bit has changed within the system. Today, we'll take a look at some of those changes; and run through our honorable mentions who fell outside of the top-20 of this year's rankings.
The organization has lost some of its prospects in a variety of ways. Players who were on last year's list that won't show up this year include Martin Rysavy (unsigned/UFA), Aidran Hreschuk (reportedly becoming a UFA next month), Cameron Butler (traded), Tyler Peddle (UFA), Samuel Knazko (UFA), and Gavin Brindley (traded).
Also excluded are two players who have played too many NHL games: Mikael Pyyhtia and Denton Mateychuk. Pyyhtia remains an RFA, and if signed will be fighting for an NHL job this fall; while last year's #2 prospect (Mateychuk) is locked into this team's top-four on defense.
This year, we counted 34 active prospects within the CBJ system. Let's take a look at how we ranked every available prospect this summer.
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.
Honorable Mentions (in no particular order):
(last year: NR) D Victor Hedin Raftheim 6'4", 190 pounds. 6th round (#173 overall), 2025 NHL Draft. Projection: bottom pairing stay-at-home defenseman. Stats: 1g, 3a, 4pts in 34gp for Brynas J20 (Sweden). Will play in the Brynas system again next season.
(NR) F Jack Williams 5'11", 185 pounds. Signed as an undrafted free agent, March 2025. Projection: bottom six depth scorer. Stats: 16g, 25a, 41pts in 37gp for Northeastern University (NCAA); 1gp (0pts) with the Blue Jackets. Likely playing with the Cleveland Monsters beginning this fall.
(HM) C Max McCue 6'1", 183 pounds. Signed as an undrafted free agent, March 2024. *Originally selected 5th round (#156 overall) by San Jose at the 2021 NHL Draft. Projection: checking line forward. Stats: 2g, 6a, 8pts in 46gp for Cleveland (AHL). Will play for the Monsters again this fall.
(HM) D Tanner Henricks 6'4", 205 pounds. 4th round (#101 overall), 2024 NHL Draft. Projection: bottom four puck-moving defenseman. Stats: 4g, 29a, 33pts in 60gp for Lincoln (USHL). Scheduled to play for St Cloud State University this fall.
(HM) D Luke Ashton 6'6", 238 pounds. 6th round (#165 overall), 2024 NHL Draft. Projection: bottom four two-way defenseman. Stats: 5g, 8a, 13pts in 38gp for Minnesota State (NCAA). Transferring to Cornell University this fall.
We'll continue the honorable mentions on the next slide!