4 Blue Jackets Prospects Who Could Make the Jump in 2026-27

The Columbus Blue Jackets have an interesting offseason ahead of them. They have pressing matters that must be addressed and a few names that should ultimately be allowed to leave. But where does that leave room for internal promotion?

In an offseason where roster spots will be at a premium, there are four in-house prospects who could stand a chance at making the everyday roster. Here are the four names with the best chances at being a regular part of the Blue Jackets for 2026-27.

Luca Del Bel Belluz, C

The Blue Jackets are deep at center, especially with the Charlie Coyle extension. Though there are more highly touted prospects within the organization, no one may be more ready for a full-time roster spot than Del Bel Belluz.

He has been an ace at the American Hockey League (AHL) level and there is little for him to prove there. He has all the tools to play in the middle six, but he’s going to need to beat out tough competition if he’s to remain at center. His path is easier on the wings but he will have to accept a bottom six role and work his way up if he hopes to stick.

Mikael Pyyhtia, C/LW

There have always been rumblings about Pyyhtia, but this seems like the season where he finally put things together. In 59 games with the Cleveland Monsters, he finished second in team scoring with 49 points (21 goals) in 59 games. He’s smart and works hard, the perfect recipe for a bottom-of-the-line forward.

He’s performed in spot duty for the Blue Jackets before. Now that he’s flashed an improved offensive game, it may finally be his time to make the leap. As a restricted free agent this summer, it will give us an early look at just how important he is to the organization.

Corson Ceulemans, D

The Blue Jackets could opt for someone via free agency or fill one of their holes on the back end internally, starting with Ceulemans. With a hole on the right side of the lineup should Erik Gudbranson not be brought back, Ceulemans could be the man to step up.

He had a breakout offensive season with 24 points in 64 games, and it could be the case of a late-blooming defenseman finally figuring it out. He’s a solid skater, he can move the puck – which fits in with the overall mindset of the defensive group – and he’s still developing. He has work to do with over-committing but has the tools to be a solid bottom-pairing defenseman.

Guillaume Richard, D

Richard has been in the system since being selected in the fourth round of the 2021 NHL Draft. With one season under his belt as a top-pairing defenseman, he has the kind of underrated, steady defensive game that NHL rosters need.

The Blue Jackets have a ton of puck-moving defensemen, but Richard is the kind of shutdown defender they sorely need. Bottom pair minutes may be the perfect way to introduce him to the NHL and allow him to slide into a specific role.

Whoever Makes it Will Have to Earn it

Who makes it to the roster depends on what actions the Blue Jackets take this summer. Will they take a swing for a free agent forward or essentially stand pat and promote from within? It depends on how close management thinks they are to making the playoffs.

All four could potentially become solid contributors for the big club, but this may be the toughest season yet to crack the lineup. Anyone who does will have earned it, making them better equipped to contribute on a nightly basis.