At just 21, Luca Del Bel Belluz is already proving why the Columbus Blue Jackets took a chance on him with their 44th overall second-round pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. From making a splash in his NHL debut to being an important piece in the American Hockey League’s (AHL) Cleveland Monsters’ playoff push, he’s turned into one of the most intriguing young talents in the organization.
Del Bel Belluz’s Immediate NHL Impact
Del Bel Belluz got his first NHL game under his belt on April 16, 2024, during the Blue Jackets’ regular-season finale against the Carolina Hurricanes last season. He wasted no time making an impression, scoring a goal on two shots in 9:35 of ice time. For a young player, that kind of debut was huge for building confidence in his game.
This season, Del Bel Belluz was called up in January to fill in after injuries sidelined centers Sean Monahan and captain Boone Jenner. In 15 games with Columbus, he racked up two goals and six assists for eight points while logging 18 shots on goal, putting up a plus-2 rating.
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More importantly, his time in Columbus has given him the chance to grow as a young player. His defensive game has come a long way this season, which was evident during his 15-game NHL stint. According to HockeyStatcards.com, he earned an improved +0.5 defensive rating over those games when slotted around in the lineup, showing that he’s putting in the work to become a reliable two-way forward. You could tell he was playing with more confidence each night, and it’s that confidence he’s now brought back to Cleveland, giving them a massive boost as they push for a playoff spot.
A big part of his growth this season can be traced back to Blue Jakcets head coach Dean Evason and the confidence he showed in the young center. Rather than limiting Del Bel Belluz to safe, low-pressure minutes, Evason trusted him to handle big moments and tough assignments. A perfect example of this came on Jan. 22 against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The second year-pro played a career-high 15:49 of ice time in that game—above his 13:08 average during his 15-game stint—and he delivered a standout performance, notching a goal and an assist for a two-point night. It was arguably his best showing as a Blue Jacket and just a glimpse of the high-end impact he’s capable of.
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What sets Evason apart is his willingness to rely on young players, even during important stretches of the season. With the Blue Jackets in the middle of a playoff race, he still gave Del Bel Belluz meaningful minutes across the lineup, allowing him to prove himself in his systems. That kind of trust goes a long way in building a player’s confidence, and it’s clear he carried those lessons with him back to Cleveland. It’s coaching decisions like these that show why Evason is so widely respected in Columbus.
Del Bel Belluz’s Continued Success in Cleveland
Since returning to the Monsters just before the 4-Nations Face-Off break early in February, Del Bel Belluz has continued to shine. Just last Saturday (March 8), he scored twice against the Hershey Bears, hitting 20 goals on the season and solidifying his spot as Cleveland’s third-highest scorer with 41 points (20 goals, 21 assists). Even though the Monsters fell short in a tough 4-3 loss, his consistency has been crucial as the team tries to clinch a playoff berth.
Paired with linemates Rocco Grimaldi and Trey Fix-Wolansky—two players also having standout seasons—Del Bel Belluz has been the driving force on Cleveland’s top line in the center role. He’s a playmaker with quick hands and sharp transition play to create chances for himself and his teammates. His ability to read the game and time his attacks are what make him such a dangerous player, especially in Cleveland’s somewhat simple offensive/defensive systems.
He’s also had some well-earned recognition this season, being named to the 2025 AHL All-Star roster for the North Division. That’s no small achievement for a 21-year-old and it’s yet another sign that his game is heading in the right direction.
Another Tight Playoff Race
As the regular season winds down, the playoff race in the AHL North Division is also tight. Cleveland currently holds fourth place with a 28-18-5-5 record, but the Syracuse Crunch and Belleville Senators are just six points behind—breathing right down their necks. There’s no room for error, and the Monsters will need to hold separation if they want to secure a postseason berth down the stretch. As of March 11, the Monsters’ magic number is four more wins to clinch a berth, (five teams in the North Division will make the postseason.)
Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell made some smart moves to give the team a better shot. Sending down players like Joseph LaBate and Denton Mateychuk also bolstered Cleveland’s roster, ensuring their AHL playoff eligibility while keeping them available for depth purposes.
However, the Monsters are no strangers to big moments. Last season, they were the second-best team in the Eastern Conference and made a memorable run to the Eastern Conference Final. After clawing their way back from a 3-0 deficit against the Hershey Bears, they suffered a heartbreaking overtime loss in Game 7. That bitter ending is still likely in the back of their minds, and it’s surely a huge motivator for this group.
What’s Next for Del Bel Belluz?
While Del Bel Belluz will probably finish the season in Cleveland, you can’t rule out the possibility of him getting another call-up if Columbus runs into injuries up front—especially during a deep playoff run, where those things tend to happen every season. Just look back at the 2023 Western Conference Final, when former Edmonton Oiler Dylan Holloway made his NHL debut in Game 4 against the Colorado Avalanche.
For Del Bel Belluz, the same opportunity could come at any time. He’s already shown he can handle himself in the NHL, and if the Jackets need reinforcements, he could be called upon to make an impact.
With his AHL All-Star season, improved two-way game, and confidence gained from his NHL stint, Del Bel Belluz is well on his way to becoming a full-time NHLer. Whether it’s helping Cleveland make a playoff run or stepping up for the Blue Jackets in the near future, the future is bright for this rising star.
