A First Round Frenzy for the Blue Jackets

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Photo courtesy of Light The Lamp

By Rick Gethin

The Hockey Writers

The Columbus Blue Jackets started the 2009 NHL Draft with the 16th pick before trading down to the 26th pick (with NYI) before turning right around and trading up for the 21st selection (with ANA). GM Scott Howson wanted D John Moore, and when he started dropping down the draft board Howson became a man on a mission. After working the tables in Montreal’s Bell Centre the CBJ brass ended up with who they ultimately wanted in the first round.

John Moore is a 6′2″, 189 lbs defenseman who played the last two seasons with the Chicago Steel of the USHL. He was named the USHL Defenseman of the Year in 2008-09. From Hockey’s Future:

A slick-skating defenseman with tons up offensive upside. Can get to top speed rather quickly and stickhandle with efficiency. Has a solid first pass when he’s not leading the rush. Has a quick and accurate release from the backend. Likes to shoot and prefers to slide into the high slot and pull the trigger. He activates off the point a lot, especially on the powerplay. Gets the puck on and off his stick quickly. Defensive end coverage is good, but will obviously have to tighten is up as he progresses. Will need to improve decision-making in the offensive attack. Such as, when it’s appropriate to join in on the rush on the breakout and/or release from the point. Hands down a team player with good work ethic and drive. Willing to sacrifice for the sake of the team.

After trading to get the #56 second round pick from Boston, the CBJ chose Kevin Lynch, a 6′1″, 192 lbs. A right shooting Center, Lynch played last saeson in the US National Team Development Program, notching 36 points in 49 games. From Hockey’s Future:

Ranked as the 100th NA skater by Central Scouting for 2009, Lynch has underrated offensive skills with quick hands and feet. He will also hit and is a good forechecker.

The Blue Jackets third pick of the draft (94th overall) was David Savard, a 6′1″, 200 lbs right shooting defenseman. Playing for Moncton (QMJHL) in 2008-09, Savard went 9-35-44. From Hockey’s Future:

A solid skater, Savard does not back down from a challenge and plays an airtight game in his own zone. He’s equally adept in the offensive zone, where he posted nine goals and 44 points in 68 games to place second on the team in defensive scoring.

Rounding out the last three Columbus picks (nos. 137, 167 and 197) were D Thomas Larkin, D Anton Blomqvist and RW Kyle Neuber. Columbus filled the needs that they had addressed going into this years draft by picking four defenseman out of six picks. All of these kids are big and are still growing. They have another center in the pipeline with Kevin Lynch. Of these six skaters chosen by the Blue Jackets, Kyle Neubers’ noteriety as a pugilist preceeds him; Kyle Neuber vs. Paul McMullen.

Now that the draft is done for another year, Columbus will immediately focus on resigning Rick Nash and free agency which starts on Wednesday, July 1st. The needs that I see that need to be addressed through free agency are at center, an offensive defenseman and a back-up netminder for Calder winner Steve Mason. Heady times indeed. In the words of former CBJ color analyst Danny Gare…Stay tooooned!