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Four prospects who could make the Blue Jackets roster out of training camp

The Blue Jackets are destined to be a young team again this year. How young? Well, that might depend on how many of their top prospects they decide to keep on the NHL roster out of training camp. Here are four guys who could play their way onto the team this fall.
ByCurtis Deem|
Columbus Blue Jackets v Carolina Hurricanes
Columbus Blue Jackets v Carolina Hurricanes | Jaylynn Nash/GettyImages
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Gavin Brindley

The Jackets were able to convince Gavin Brindley to forego his NCAA eligibility and turn pro at the end of last season. Brindley made it into the final CBJ game of the season, burning up a year of his ELC in the process.

He had a strong season with the University of Michigan, scoring 25 goals and 53 points in 40 NCAA games (I still think he was snubbed in the Hobey Baker voting). Turning pro made sense for both the player and the team here.

Brindley really had nothing left to prove at the NCAA level. He could have gone back and competed for a National Championship, but signing his ELC allows him to further develop at a higher level. Not to mention, he earned a really nice payday at the end of his sophomore season by signing.

For the Jackets, they pull one of their top prospects into their grasp and alleviate any concerns about Brindley walking to free agency in a couple of years. Likewise, they probably felt that turning pro now was better for his development. The decision now becomes: is he NHL ready? Or, does he need some AHL seasoning?

The answer to that question may come in the form of another question: do you want him to play center in the NHL? If the answer to this question is yes, then I think a stint in the AHL is certainly the way to go. I could see Brindley playing on Sean Kuraly's wing this season with the Blue Jackets. And, I don't think he would be out of place.

But, wouldn't it be better for him to play heavy minutes in the AHL, in all situations? He can show off his offensive game, improve his all-around game, learn the nuances of pro hockey (the most difficult adjustment might be the schedule); and do it all in a lower pressure environment.

Starting him in the AHL makes a lot more sense to me. Honestly, regardless whether or not you see him as a center, he should be in the AHL this season. I'm sure he can be a viable fourth line player for the Jackets this year, but his future warrants a higher ceiling than that.

Odds Brindley makes the team: <25%. Again, Waddell has spoken about giving his players time to develop. Unless Gavin shows up and beats out one of the top-9 forwards already on the Blue Jacket roster, he's destined for some AHL time.

I do think there is one rookie who could make the roster out of camp, however. Let's discuss on the final page.

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