Columbus Blue Jackets top prospects, summer of 2024: players #20-11
By Curtis Deem
Today, we're breaking down prospects ranked 11-20 within the Columbus Blue Jackets system. In case you missed yesterday's primer and honorable mentions, you can check them out here. We'll start with #20 and work our way through 10 players today, and finalizing our list with 10 additional players ranked tomorrow.
Top prospect list notes:
This list was compiled by a collective ranking from all of the writers at Union and Blue. 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 2024-25 season.
Let's kick this thing off with prospect #20...
20. (14) D Samuel Knazko 6’1″, 190 pounds. 3rd round (#78 overall), 2020 NHL Draft. Projection: bottom-four puck moving defenseman. Stats: 2g-10a-12pts, 44gp for Cleveland (AHL). Will return to the Monsters next season. How we ranked him: Curtis (19) Matt (NR) Mike (NR)
Why we ranked him here: Another year of being a depth defenseman for the Monsters, Knazko can't seem to establish himself as a top prospect in the system. Still, his skillset and skating make him an intriguing prospect.
Next season is a make or break year for him. He's been passed up by some younger players, many of them drafted higher. If he's going to establish himself as having an NHL future; he needs to separate himself from the pack with the Cleveland Monsters. It's time for a big breakout year.