Columbus Blue Jackets 2024 season preview, Gavin Brindley is a sneaky dark horse to make the cut

Most of the roster decisions for the Columbus Blue Jackets are already made, well ahead of the start of training camp. At both ends of the roster, there are experienced veterans who will lead the way. They're supported by a handful of promising youngsters who can no longer be sent down. One other youngster, Gavin Brindley, is a sneaky dark horse to make the opening night roster.

The Blue Jackets were able to convince Brindley to forego his NCAA career and sign an entry level contract just before the end of last season. While many fans questioned the team burning a full year of his ELC for one meaningless game, it was a decision the team felt they needed to make.

The extra money convinced Gavin to make the jump now, putting a firm end to any thoughts of him playing through his NCAA career and signing as an unrestricted free agent at the end of it. Smart move, when you look at how his career has gone so far.

Since being drafted in the second round (#34 overall) at last summer's NHL Draft, Brindley's stock has been on a steady rise. He broke out of the shadow of some great Michigan Wolverine prospects and proved he can generate offense on his own this year, scoring 25 goals and 53 points in just 40 NCAA games.

If you were to re-do the 2023 draft, I don't think it's a stretch to say that Brindley would now be a first round pick. In fact, I think some teams might have considered him in the middle of the first round, in hindsight.

He fell in the draft in part because of his size. At just 5'9" and around 170 pounds, he obviously brings some concern in a league that seems hell-bent on getting bigger and tougher. But he's not a player who is going to get pushed around.

In fact, Gavin is often the first player into the corner on the fore-check. He uses his speed and shiftiness to get under the opponents - then he has the lower-body strength to outwork his check and come away with the puck.

When he has the puck on his stick, he's an electrifying player. He has terrific speed, a quick release shot, and knows how to draw in a defender before dishing a sneaky pass to an open teammate.

He works equally hard on the defensive side of the puck, as well. Like any young player, he'll need to round out some edges to his game, but I see him as an effective two-way guy who could play up and down the lineup at some point. Maybe as soon as this year.

However, a year in the AHL would not be detrimental to his development. I would love to see how he does in a full season against pros, without the pressure of playing at the NHL level. 15-18 minutes per night in Cleveland, would be far better for his development than 8-12 minutes per night in Columbus.

One bold prediction: Gavin Brindley will score 25 goals this season. (In the AHL)

I think a stint in Cleveland is best for his development - especially if the team sees him as a future center. He's good enough that he could play a bottom-six role on the wings this year, but will be better served lighting the lamp more often in the AHL.