Two days after Wednesday’s NHL Awards Ceremony and Las Vegas Expansion Draft, the 2017 NHL Entry Draft will commence. The now 31 NHL teams will gather inside the United Center in Chicago in efforts to rebuild, or build upon, their rosters by selecting teenagers they feel will help their team in the future.
Some players will turn out to be gems while others never reach the potential assumed by the majority of scouts. Unfortunately, the latter is something the Columbus Blue Jackets are all too familiar with, at least in their earlier history. Things have gotten much better as of late, though, thanks to Jarmo Kekalainen and company. Ahead of the upcoming draft, let’s take a trip down Blue Jackets draft memory lane in which we reflect on every draft in franchise history.
2000: Blue Jackets’ 1st NHL Entry Draft
Picks by round:
Round 1
4th overall: Rostislav Klesla – D, Brampton Battalion (OHL)
Round 3
69th overall: Ben Knopp – D, Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
Round 5
133rd overall: Petteri Nummelin – D, Davos (Swiss A)
138th overall: Scott Heffernan – D, Sarnia Sting (OHL)
150th overall: Tyler Kolarik – C, Deerfield Academy (Mass H.S.)
Round 6
169th overall: Shane Bendera – G, Red Deer Rebels (WHL)
Round 7
200th overall: Janne Jokila – LW, TPS Jrs. (Finland)
Round 8
231st overall: Peter Zingoni – C, New England Jr. Coyotes
Round 9
278th overall: Martin Paroulek – LW, Vsetin HC (Czech)
286th overall: Andrej Nedorost – C, Essen (DEL)
292nd overall: Louis Mandeville – D, Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL)
I know it was 17 years ago but have you ever heard of any of these guys other than Klesla? I doubt it. Klesla was well-liked in Columbus throughout his entire time there but the guy was injury prone and didn’t perform like a fourth overall pick. Just by over-looking this draft, it appears obvious that it was their first crack at it.
Draft notes:
In the first round, picks #3 through #6 as well as #13 all became Blue Jackets at one point. Marian Gaborik, Rostislav Klesla, Raffi Torres, Scott Hartnell, and Ron Hainsey were drafted by the Wild, Blue Jackets, Islanders, Predators, and Canadiens, respectively. Also, in the seventh round, the Rangers drafted Henrik Lundqvist five picks after the Jackets selected Jokila with pick #200.
2001: Leclaire Underachieves as the 8th Overall Pick
Picks by Round:
Round 1
8th overall: Pascal Leclaire – G, Halifax (QMJHL)
Round 2
38th overall: Tim Jackman – RW, Minnesota State-Mankato (NCAA)
53rd overall: Kiel McLeod – C, Kelowna (WHL)
Round 3
85th overall: Aaron Johnson – D, Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL)
87th overall: Per Mars – D, Brynas IF Gavie (Sweden)
Round 5
141st overall: Cole Jarrett – D, Plymouth (OHL)
Round 6
173rd overall: Justin Aikins – C, Langley Hornets (BCHL)
187th overall: Artem Vostrikov – C, Tolyatti-2
Round 7
204th overall: Raffaele Sannitz – C, Lugano (Swiss A)
Round 8
236th overall: Ryan Bowness – RW, Brampton Battalion (OHL)
242nd overall: Andrew Murray – C, Selkirk (MJHL)
Leclaire had one promising season with the Jackets, posting a 2.25 GAA and .919 Sv % in the 2007-08 campaign. However, he struggled the following year while dealing with injuries leading to his being traded to Ottawa. He retired after the 2010-11 season. Tim Jackman, Aaron Johnson and Andrew Murray played at least 200 games in their NHL careers. This was an upgrade from the Jackets’ previous draft year in which only one selection played over 150 games and that was Klesla.
Draft notes:
Current Wild captain Mikko Koivu was selected two picks before the Jackets took Leclaire. Veteran defenseman and former Jacket Fedor Tyutin was selected two picks after the Jackets took Jackman with the 38th pick. In the sixth round, the Jackets passed twice each on Ryan Clowe, Marek Zidlicky, Jussi Jokinen, and Brooks Laich who enjoyed or are still enjoying pretty successful NHL careers.
2002: Jackets Take Their First Franchise Player
Picks by round:
Round 1
1st overall: Rick Nash – LW, London Knights (OHL)
Round 2
41st overall: Joakim Lindstrom – C, Modo Hockey Omskoidsvik (SEL)
Round 3
65th overall: Ole-Kristian Tollefsen – D, Piestany (Norway)
96th overall: Jeff Genovy – C, Des-Moines Buccaneers (USHL)
Round 4
98th overall: Ivan Tkachenko – RW, Yaroslavl Lokomotiv (Russia)
119th overall: Jakabs Redlihs – D, Apple Core (EJHL)
133rd overall: Lasse Pirjeta – LW, Karpat (Finland)
Round 6
168th overall: Tim Konsorada – RW, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
184th overall: Jaroslav Balastik – F, Zlin ZPS HC (Czech)
Round 7
199th overall: Greg Mauldin – C, UMass Amherst (NCAA)
225th overall: Steven Goertzen – RW, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
Round 8
231st overall: Jaroslav Kracik – RW, Plzen Jrs. (Czech)
Round 9
263rd overall: Sergei Mozyakin – F, HC CSKA (Russian Jr.)
The Jackets acquired the first overall pick from Florida because they had their eye on the top player in the draft. Rick Nash was selected to be the face of the franchise and he was for a decade, setting franchise records pretty much across the board offensively. The Jackets’ continued struggles led to Nash wanting out of Columbus so in July of 2012, he was traded away to the New York Rangers.
With the 12 other picks the Jackets owned in the 2002 draft, they didn’t find much. Lindstrom, Tollefson and Pirjeta all played less than 200 NHL games. Balastik, Mauldin and Goertzen all played less than 100 and all others never played a single game.
Draft notes:
Duncan Keith, Jiri Hudler and Johnny Boychuk were all drafted after the Jackets’ second round pick Lindstrom. Valtteri Filppula was selected by the Red Wings one pick before the Jackets’ second of their third round picks. And interestingly, former Jackets goaltenders Mike McKenna and Curtis McElhinney were both 2002 sixth round selections.
2003: A Draft Year to Forget
Picks by round:
Round 1
4th overall: Nikolai Zherdev – RW, CSKA Moscow (Russia)
Round 2
46th overall: Dan Fritsche – C, Sarnia Sting (OHL)
Round 3
71st overall: Dmitry Kosmachev – D, CSKA Moscow (Russia)
Round 4
103rd overall: Kevin Jarman – LW, Stouffville Spirit (OPJHL)
104th overall: Phillippe Dupuis – C, Hull Olympiques (QMJHL)
Round 5
138th overall: Arsi Pilspanen – F, Jokerit Jrs. (Finland)
Round 6
168th overall: Marc Methot – D, London Knights (OHL)
Round 7
200th overall: Alexander Guskov – D, Yaroslavl Lokomotiv (Russia)
Round 8
223rd overall: Mathieu Gravel – RW, Shawnigan Cataractes (QMJHL)
It was the first draft the Jackets had in which three of their selections skated at least 250 NHL games. The best of those three turned out to be 6th round selection Methot, who is still playing at a high level in the NHL. However, it might be recognized as the worst draft in team history. Why? Because of how many times the Jackets missed on better talent. Below is a table of all the players the Jackets could have taken by round, meaning every player listed was drafted after the Jackets’ pick in that round. Warning Jackets fans, it’s painful to look at.
Draft notes:
Nothing else needs to be said. Moving on.
2004: Not Getting Any Better
Picks by round:
Round 1
8th overall: Alexandre Picard – LW, Lewiston MAINEiacs (QMJHL)
Round 2
46th overall: Adam Pineault – RW, Boston College (NCAA)
59th overall: LW Kyle Wharton – LW, Ottawa 67’s (OHL)
Round 3
93rd overall: Dan LaCosta – G, Owen Sound Attack (OHL)
96th overall: Andrei Plehanov – D, Nizhnekamsk Jr. (Russia)
Round 5
133rd overall: Petr Pohl – RW, Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL)
Round 6
167th overall: Robert Page – D, Blake School (Minn.)
190th overall: Lennart Petrell – C, IFK Jr. (Finland)
Round 7
198th overall: Justin Vienneau – D, Shawnigan Cataractes (QMJHL)
Round 8
231st overall: Brian McGuirk – LW, Governor Dummer Academy (Mass.)
233rd overall: Matt Greer – W, White Bear Lake H.S. (Minn.)
Round 9
271st overall: Grant Clitsome – D, Nepean Raider (CJAHL)
When your final selection ends up being your most successful player, you know it was a bad draft. When your eighth overall selection only tallies two career points and zero goals in only 67 games played, you know it was a bad draft. When only five of your twelve selections make it to the NHL and only one plays over 100 games…have I mentioned it was a bad draft? I said the 2002 draft was their worst. I might’ve lied. Picard is quite possibly the worst first round selection the Jackets ever made. The only way the ’03 draft would’ve been worse is if they missed on 30 star players like they did in the previous one.
Draft notes:
Both second round picks by the Jackets were immediately followed with selections of eventual Blue Jackets (Blake Comeau to the Islanders at #47 and Brandon Dubinsky to the Rangers at #60). Alex Goligoski and David Krejci were both drafted after the Blue Jackets’ 59th overall selection of Kyle Wharton. Current Flames winger Troy Brouwer was taken by Chicago 16 picks after the Jackets’ seventh round pick. Lastly, Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne was selected by Nashville with the final pick of the eighth round (258th overall).
2005: Yet Another First Round Bust
Picks by round:
Round 1
6th overall: Gilbert Brule – C, Vancouver Giants (WHL)
Round 2
55th overall: Adam McQuaid – D, Sudbury Wolves (OHL)
Round 3
67th overall: Kris Russell – D, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
Round 4
101st overall: Jared Boll – RW, Lincoln Stars (USHL)
Round 5
131st overall: Tomas Popperle – G, Sparta Praha (Czech)
Round 6
177th overall: Derek Reinhart – D, Regina Pats (WHL)
189th overall: Kirill Starkov – C, Frolunda Jrs (Sweden)
Round 7
201st overall: Trevor Hendrikx – D, Peterborough Petes (OHL)
In terms of games played, this was the Jackets’ best draft to this point. Their top four picks all appeared in a minimum of 250 games. McQuaid and Russell have developed into steady defensemen. Boll was a fan favorite during his time in Columbus as he served as the team’s enforcer for several years. However, the Jackets whiffed once again on their first round selection. Brule never reached the potential the Jackets saw in him and no longer plays in the NHL.
Draft notes:
Brule was chosen one pick after Montreal drafted Carey Price. Notable first round selections the Jackets passed on include Anze Kopitar (Los Angeles – 11th overall), Marc Staal (NY Rangers – 12th overall), Tuukka Rask (Toronto – 21st), T.J. Oshie (St. Louis – 24th), Andrew Cogliano (Edmonton – 25th), and Matt Niskanen (Dallas –28th). The Jackets had Kopitar on their radar but then-GM Doug MacLean decided otherwise because he didn’t like Kopitar’s training methods.
Defensemen Keith Yandle and Nicklas Hjalmarsson were both drafted within the next seven picks after the Jackets chose Boll in the fourth round. And with the final pick in the 2005 NHL Draft, the Nashville Predators selected Patric Hornqvist, who just beat his former team in the Stanley Cup Final and is not exactly Mr. Irrelevant any longer.
2006: Brassard & Mason Turn Out Just OK for Jackets
Picks by round:
Round 1
6th overall: Derick Brassard – D, Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL)
Round 3
69th overall: Steve Mason – G, London Knights (OHL)
85th overall: Tom Sestito – RW, Plymouth Whalers (OHL)
Round 4
113th overall: Ben Wright – D, Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL)
Round 5
129th overall: Robert Nyholm – RW, IFK Jr. (Finland)
136th overall: Nick Sucharski – LW, Michigan State (NCAA)
142nd overall: Maxime Frechette – RW, Drummondville Voltigeurs QMJHL
Round 6
159th overall: Jesse Dudas – D, Prince George Cougars (WHL)
Round 7
189th overall: Derek Dorsett – RW, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
194th overall: Matt Marquardt – LW, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)
Brassard never posted more than 47 points and was a combined minus-43 in his six seasons as a member of the Blue Jackets. Although better than the previous trio of Jackets first-rounders, he didn’t produce sixth-overall pick points. He was traded to the Rangers to team up again with Rick Nash in the midst of the 2012-13 season. But after three full seasons in New York, he was dished off to Ottawa in exchange for Mika Zibanejad and almost found himself playing for the Stanley Cup this June.
The Jackets also thought they struck gold with their third round selection of Mason. His award-winning rookie season helped push the Jackets into the playoffs for the first time in their history that year. He appeared to be the Columbus netminder for many years to come. But his GAA never fell below 2.95 and his Sv % never ascended above .901 over the following four seasons. He seemingly lost the magic he displayed in his first NHL year and exactly like Brassard, was traded away from the Blue Jackets in the middle of the 2012-13 season.
Draft notes:
The opening round was stuffed with star-studded talent. Jonathan Toews (3rd – Chicago), Nicklas Backstrom (4th – Washington), Phil Kessel (5th – Boston), and Claude Giroux (22nd – Philadelphia) highlight one of the best first rounds this century. Also, current Jackets captain Nick Foligno was drafted in the first at 28th overall to Ottawa.
2007: Jackets Select Voracek as Draft Hosts
Picks by Round:
Round 1
7th overall: Jakub Voracek – F, Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
Round 2
37th overall: Stefan Legein – RW, Mississauga IceDogs (OHL)
53rd overall: Will Weber – D, Gaylord H.S. (USHSW)
Round 3
68th overall: Jake Hansen – W, Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL)
Round 4
94th overall: Maxim Mayorov – W, Leninogorsk (Russia)
Round 6
158th overall: Allen York – G, Camrose Kodiaks (AJHL)
Round 7
211th overall: Trent Vogelhuber – RW, St. Louis Bandits (USHL)
Voracek has been superb with the Flyers. With Philly, he has topped 5o points in four straight seasons. With the Jackets, he tallied 50 points in his second season and never reached that plateau again in his time in Columbus. Weird how that works. As a Blue Jacket, he is no more than a young player with promise but as a Flyer, he turns into one of the premier players in the entire league. He reaches his potential with his new team after underwhelming in Columbus. Seems to be a major theme for the Blue Jackets.
The rest of the Jackets’ draft was garbage at best. Outside of Voracek, only two drafted players ever skated in the NHL and they combined for 33 total games. That is very disappointing considering the NHL Draft was held in Columbus that summer.
Draft notes:
It’s hard to say the Jackets whiffed by taking Voracek but they did miss out on Logan Couture (9th – San Jose), Ryan McDonagh (12th – Montreal), Kevin Shattenkirk (14th – Colorado), and Max Pacioretty (22nd – Montreal). The Canadiens added to their great first round by selecting P.K. Subban in the second round. Also drafted in the second was current Flyers winger Wayne Simmonds (61st – Los Angeles).
A couple things regarding the Mayorov pick in the fourth round: 1) the Jackets traded three 5th round picks to the Stars for their 4th round pick which they used to select Mayorov. The Stars turned one of those acquired picks in the 5th round into Jamie Benn. And 2) the Kings selected Alec Martinez, who played college hockey at Miami (OH), with the very next pick after the Jackets took Mayorov.
2008: Jackets Hit With 5th & 6th Round Picks
Picks by round:
Round 1
6th overall: Nikita Filatov – LW, Moscow CSKA Jr. (Russia)
Round 2
37th overall: Cody Goloubef – D, U. of Wisconsin (NCAA)
Round 4
107th overall: Steven Delisle – D, Gatineau Olympiques
118th overall: Drew Olson – D, Brainerd HS (MN)
Round 5
127th pick: Matt Calvert – LW, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
135th pick: Thomas Kubalik – RW, Plazen HC (Czech)
137th overall: Brent Regner – D, Vancouver Giants (WHL)
Round 6
157th pick: Cam Atkinson – RW, Avon Old Farms HS (CT)
Round 7
187th pick: Sean Collins – W, Waywayseecap Wolverines (MJHL)
Filatov is a long story all by himself but not really worth telling. The short version is that he was really good for about ten minutes and couldn’t survive in the NHL. So, once again the Jackets bust big time with their first round pick inside the top ten.
The Jackets missed out on a handful of notable players but did find solid talent in the fifth and sixth rounds. Matt Calvert is certainly no superstar but he defines Blue Jackets hockey. He isn’t going to score 20+ goals but he’s going to kill penalties and give everything he has every shift as a bottom six forward. Cam Atkinson can be described as a diamond in the rough. He led the Jackets in goals (35) and points (62) this season, proving that little guys can score with the best of them.
Draft notes:
Tyler Myers (12th – Buffalo), Erik Karlsson (15th – Ottawa), Jordan Eberle (22nd – Oilers), and John Carlson (27th – Washington) are all notable names selected in the first round of ’08. In the second round, Nashville drafted Roman Josi one pick after the Jackets took Cody Goloubef. Ouch.
Also in the second round, the following players were drafted: Patrick Wiercioch (42nd – Ottawa), Justin Schultz (43rd – Anaheim), Derek Stepan (51st – NY Rangers), Travis Hamonic (53rd – NY Islanders), and Marco Scandella (55th – Minnesota). That adds up to five noteworthy defensemen the Jackets decided were not going to be better than Goloubef. Boy were they wrong.
2009: A Whole Lot of Trades for Nothing
Picks by round:
Round 1
21st overall: John Moore – D, Chicago Steel (USHL)
Round 2
56th overall: Kevin Lynch – C, US National U-18
Round 4
94th overall: David Savard – D, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)
Round 5
137th overall: Thomas Larkin – D, Exeter HS (NH)
Round 6
167th overall: Anton Blomqvist – D, Malmö Jrs. (Sweden)
The only thing saving this draft is David Savard, who has become a force on the Jackets’ blue line. His huge frame has allowed him to develop into one of the best defensive defensemen in the NHL. He may not be a star but he’s as steady as they come and that’s why in 2015, the Jackets signed him to a five-year extension. The fact that the Jackets picked him up in the fourth round is spectacular.
John Moore is still an NHL defenseman but not the one the Jackets had thought him to be when they drafted him. He’s played 40 more games than Savard but has 25 less points. And Moore is supposed to be the one who provides more offense from the blue line. None of the other ’09 draft picks of the Jackets laced up the skates in an NHL game.
Draft notes:
The Blue Jackets made a lot of moves in the draft only to disappoint with their selections (besides Savard). They traded their #16 and #77 pick to the Islanders in exchange for #26, #37, #62, and #92. Then they traded back up to #21 to snag John Moore, giving the Ducks #26 and #37. The 16th pick was traded again – from the Islanders to the Wild – in which Minnesota selected Nick Leddy, who would eventually become an Islander ironically. The Ducks used the 26th pick to draft Kyle Palmieri.
The Jackets then traded up to #56 to draft Lynch, handing the Bruins #62 and #92. The 62nd pick ended up being goaltender Anders Nilsson and the 92nd pick ended up being Casey Cizikas. With the 64th pick, the Avalanche selected Tyson Barrie. Speaking of the Avalanche, their 94th overall pick was sent to Columbus on the condition that Adam Foote – who was traded to them from Columbus – re-signed in Colorado. Thus, the Jackets can thank the Avs for essentially acquiring Savard.
2010: Jackets Find Their Top-Line Center?
Picks by round:
Round 1
4th overall: Ryan Johansen – C, Portland Winterhawks (WHL)
Round 2
34th overall: Dalton Smith – LW, Ottawa 67’s (OHL)
55th overall: Petr Straka – RW, Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL)
Round 4
94th overall: Brandon Archibald – D, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)
102nd overall: Mathieu Corbeil-Theriault – G, Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
Round 5
124th overall: Austin Madaisky – D, Kamloops Blazers (WHL)
Round 6
154th overall: Dalton Prout – D, Barrie Colts (OHL)
Round 7
184th overall: Martin Ouellette – G, Kimball Union HS (NH)
Much similar to Voracek, Ryan Johansen didn’t work out well in Columbus. It was quite obvious the skill was there but there were many questions about his effort level, especially once John Tortorella stepped in as head coach. He had very productive seasons in back-to-back years (2013-14 and 2014-15) tallying 63 and 71 points, respectively. But after only recording 26 points in the first 38 games of the following season, the Jackets traded him to Nashville for defenseman Seth Jones.
The Jackets thought they were getting their top centerman when they drafted Johansen and they did for a few seasons. But since he didn’t quite fit with the Jackets, he was shipped off to Nashville so he could take over the same role with the Predators. And he did well in his first full season with them, racking up 61 points in the regular season. He was big for them in their playoff run with 13 points in 14 games before getting hip surgery that finished his season. And Seth Jones has been integral to the success of the Jackets’ blue line. This trade has worked out well for both teams.
Draft notes:
Other notable players drafted in the first round include all of the following: Jeff Skinner (7th – Carolina), Mikael Granlund (9th – Minnesota), Cam Fowler (12th – Anaheim), Jaden Schwartz (14th – St. Louis), Vladimir Tarasenko (16th – St. Louis), Nick Bjugstad (19th – Florida), Kevin Hayes (24th – Chicago), Evgeny Kuznetsov (26th – Washington), Charlie Coyle (28th – Minnesota), and Brock Nelson (30th – NY Islanders).
Three picks after the Jackets’ 2nd round pick, the Hurricanes took all-star defenseman Justin Faulk at #37. In the 5th round, John Klingberg (131st – Dallas) and Brendan Gallagher (147th – Montreal) were both selected after the Jackets’ pick in that round. After the Jackets drafted Prout in the 6th round, Mark Stone was taken by the Senators at #178.
2011: Jackets Do Well Without 1st Round Pick
Picks by round:
Round 2
37th overall: Boone Jenner – C, Oshawa Generals (OHL)
Round 3
66th overall: T. J. Tynan – F, University of Notre Dame (CCHA)
Round 4
98th overall: Mike Reilly – D, Shattuck St. Mary’s HS (MN)
Round 5
128th overall: Seth Ambroz – RW, Omaha Lances (USHL)
Round 6
158th overall: Lukas Sedlak – C, Ceske Budejovice Jrs. (Czech)
Round 7
188th overall: Anton Forsberg – G, Modo Jr. (Sweden)
Without a first round pick, the Jackets put together a pretty decent draft. Boone Jenner is now an assistant captain and a human definition of Blue Jackets hockey. He has a 30-goal season to his name but it dropped to 18 this year. He has the ability to score goals but he makes most of money doing dirty work – battling in front of the net or in the corners, throwing the body, and getting involved in scrums when necessary.
Tynan, Reilly, Sedlak, and Forsberg have all played games at the NHL level. The most has come from Sedlak, who has skated in 62 games with the Jackets essentially all as a fourth liner. Tynan and Forsberg have spent the majority of their careers playing for the Jackets’ AHL affiliate Cleveland Monsters. Fourth round pick Mike Reilly, brother of Leafs defenseman Morgan, opted not to sign with the Jackets our of college in 2015 and ultimately chose to sign with his hometown team Minnesota Wild.
Draft notes:
Brandon Saad (43rd – Chicago) and William Karlsson (53rd – Anaheim were both drafted in the 2nd round. Both players were acquired by the Jackets via trade over the past three seasons. Karlsson was just claimed by Las Vegas in the expansion draft on Wednesday. Six picks after the Jackets selected Reilly, Calgary drafted Johnny Gaudreau with their 4th round pick. Forwards Ryan Dzingle (204th – Ottawa) and Ondrej Palat (208th – Tampa Bay) were selected late in the 7th round.
2012: Jackets Put Together Solid First Four Rounds
Picks by round:
Round 1
2nd overall: Ryan Murray – D, Everett Silvertips (WHL)
Round 2
31st overall: Oscar Dansk – G, Byrnas IF Gavle (Sweden)
Round 3
62nd overall: Joonas Korpisalo – G, Jokerit Jrs. (Finland)
Round 4
95th overall: Josh Anderson – RW, London Knights (OHL)
Round 6
152nd overall: Daniel Zaar – RW, Rogle Jrs. (Sweden)
Round 7
182nd overall: Gianluca Curcuruto – D, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)
Ryan Murray hasn’t been what the Jackets were expecting of him when they took him 2nd overall in 2012. He has shown glimpses of an elite level defenseman but for the most part, he has underwhelmed. Most of his career has been spent on the IR but he still has time to prove he is better than what he has displayed thus far in his young career.
Dansk and Korpisalo are both goaltenders with tremendous upside. Korpisalo has been the Jackets primary young backup for the past two seasons and has shown potential of an elite goaltender. He was just recently re-signed by Columbus on a two-year deal but no other terms are known at this point.
Anderson might be the most impressive of their top four picks in 2012. The big power forward chalked up 17 goals in his rookie season as a third line forward, mostly. He is a restricted free agent in line to receive a pay raise this summer from Columbus. The Jackets definitely want him to stick around for a while and that’s part of the reason why they sent Vegas their 2017 first round pick. They don’t want the Golden Knights to take Anderson along with a couple others in the expansion draft.
Draft notes:
The Jackets drafted Murray ahead of six other defenseman selected in the top ten. The others were: Morgan Reilly (5th – Toronto), Hampus Lindholm (6th – Anaheim), Matt Dumba (7th – Minnesota), Derrick Pouliot (8th – Pittsburgh), Jacob Trouba (9th – Winnipeg), and Slater Koekkoek (10th – Tampa Bay). They also missed out on first-round forwards Filip Forsberg (11th – Washington), Tomas Hertl (17th – San Jose), Teuvo Teravainen (18th – Chicago), and Tanner Pearson (30th Los Angeles).
Korpisalo was taken at the beginning of the third round then the following players were also drafted in the third: Shayne Gostisbehere (78th – Flyers), Matt Murray (83rd – Pittsburgh), Colten Parayko (86th – St. Louis), and Frederik Anderson (87th – Anaheim).
2013: Jackets Find Skilled Forwards Wennberg and Bjorkstrand
Picks by round:
Round 1
14th overall: Alexander Wennberg – C, Djurgardens IF Stockholm (Sweden – 1)
19th overall: Kerby Rychel – F, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
27th overall: Marko Dano – C, Bratislava Slovan (Slovakia)
Round 2
50th overall: Dillon Heatherington – D, Swift Current Broncos (WHL)
Round 3
89th overall: Oliver Bjorkstrand – RW, Portland Winterhawks (WHL)
Round 4
105th overall: Nick Moutrey – F, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
Round 6
165th overall: Markus Soberg – RW, Frolunda Jrs. (Sweden)
Round 7
195th overall: Peter Quenneville – F, Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL)
The Jackets used their first of three 1st round picks to select Wennberg, a Swedish playmaking center. After his first three seasons, he has tallied 119 points including 59 this past season, a career high. He made tremendous strides last offseason and it carried over into the regular season. Because of his play, the Jackets are hoping Wennberg is the answer for their void of a #1 center and he’s currently waiting on a new deal as he is a RFA this summer.
Third round selection Oliver Bjorkstrand is a Danish sniper who has made an offensive impact early in his NHL career. He has 21 points in 38 games with the Jackets and is projected to provide more in his first full NHL season next year.
Draft notes:
The Jackets acquired two additional 1st round picks in blockbuster deals with the Rangers and Kings. In the deal that sent Rick Nash to New York, Columbus received the Rangers’ first round pick, Brandon Dubinsky, Tim Erixon and Artem Anisimov. The Jackets traded unhappy Jeff Carter to the Kings in exchange for Jack Johnson and their 1st rounder.
The 3rd round pick the Jackets used to draft Bjorkstrand was actually acquired from rival Pittsburgh at the draft. The Penguins traded up to get the Jackets’ #44 pick in exchange for the Penguins’ 2nd and 3rd round picks. So I guess this is one of very limited times Jackets fans can say, “thanks Penguins”.
2014: Following a Playoff Year With a Below-Average Draft
Picks by round:
Round 1
16th overall: Sonny Milano – LW, US National U-18
Round 2
47th overall: Ryan Collins – D, US National U-18
Round 3
76th overall: Elvis Merzlikins – G, Lugano (Swiss-A)
77th overall: Blake Siebenaler – D, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)
Round 4
107th overall: Julien Pelletier – LW, Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (QMJHL)
Round 5
137th overall: Tyler Bird – RW, Kimball Union HS (NH)
Round 7
197th overall: Olivier Leblanc – D, Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)
The only player in this draft that has played an NHL game is Milano, who has only a single assist in seven games. Milano has played for the Cleveland Monsters for the majority of his pro career but hasn’t enjoyed NHL success, at least not yet. He has incredible puck-handling skills to go along with his offsenive capabilities. But he has spent most of his time developing a two-way game that just hasn’t cracked NHL readiness so far.
Outside of Milano, Merzlikins is likely the prospect the Jackets are most excited about out of this draft. The Latvian netminder is still developing overseas. He posted a 2.89 GAA and .916 Sv % in Switzerland this past season. But his sub-2.00 GAA at the World Championships has the Jackets excited about his progress.
Draft notes:
Detroit winger Dylan Larkin was drafted with the pick right before the Jackets took Milano. Robby Fabbri (21st – St. Louis) and David Pastrnak (25th – Boston) were taken in the 1st round after the Jackets’ 16th pick. Nashville drafted forward Viktor Arvidsson five picks after the Jackets selected Pelletier with their 4th round pick.
2015: Jackets Load Up on Defensemen
Picks by round:
Round 1
8th overall: Zach Werenski – D, University of Michigan (Big-10)
29th overall: Gabriel Carlsson – D, Linkopings Jrs. (Sweden)
Round 2
38th overall: Paul Bittner – LW, Portland Winterhawks (WHL)
58th overall: Kevin Stenlund – C, HV71 Jrs. (Sweden)
Round 3
69th overall: Keegan Kolesar – RW, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
Round 5
129th overall: Sam Ruopp – D, Prince George Cougars (WHL)
141st overall: Veeti Vainio – D, Blues Jrs. (Finland)
Round 6
159th overall: Vladislav Gavrikov – D, Yaroslavl Lokomotiv (Russia)
Round 7
189th overall: Markus Nutivaara – D, Karpat (SM-liiga)
Six of the nine Jackets’ selections in the 2015 Draft were defensemen. Three of them have already played NHL hockey. Werenski, Carlsson and Nutivaara all had great impacts along the blue line this season. Everybody knows about Werenski by now. His record-setting rookie season along with the satisfactory play of Carlsson and Nutivaara have the Jackets thrilled about the future of their defensive unit.
Also, the Jackets are trying to recruit Gavrikov to the States as he has spent the last few seasons with the KHL. Ideally, the Jackets want him in Columbus next season because they like his chances to be playing pro hockey. Management has high praises for the Russian believing he has potential to play on the NHL squad starting in October.
The forwards drafted in 2015 are all expected to play at the NHL level in the coming years. In my opinion, Keegan Kolesar will have a good shot at making the club after Summer camp. Stenlund and Bittner will likely be Monsters players next year but I think Stenlund has the better potential of the two. However, I think both of those players will skate in many games in the NHL in their careers.
Draft notes:
The Jackets traded up to grab Carlsson at the end of the first round by sending Tampa Bay a 2nd and 3rd round pick. Their 3rd round selection (#69) was acquired from Philadelphia along with Michael Leighton for Steve Mason. In another deal with Philly, the Jackets traded R.J. Umberger and their 4th rounder for Scott Hartnell which is why the Jackets didn’t pick in that round.
2016: Dubois the Surprising Choice at 3rd Overall
Picks by round:
Round 1
3rd overall: Pierre-Luc Dubois – F, Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (QMJHL)
Round 2
34th overall: Andrew Peeke – D, Green Bay Gamblers (USHL)
Round 3
65th overall: Vitaly Abramov – RW, Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL)
Round 6
155th overall: Peter Thome – G, Aberdeen Wings (NAHL)
Round 7
185th overall: Calvin Thurkauf – LW, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
Everybody knew Auston Matthews was going #1 then Patrik Laine was going #2. Everybody thought the Jackets would select Jesse Puljujaarvi with the #3 pick. Then the Jackets surprised everyone by taking Pierre-Luc Dubois. They drafted him as a center but I’m thinking he is going to be successful as a power forward on the wing. He struggled this season in the QMJHL after a phenomenal campaign in his draft year. But he has a chance to prove himself at camp this summer and see if he can be wearing a Blue Jackets jersey next season.
Another guy that might get a chance on the big club next season is Vitaly Abramov. The undersized playmaker lit it up this season for Gatineau of the QMJHL winning the league’s scoring title. He probably has some more developing and some more filling out to do before he gets his big shot but his scoring ability might get him a chance sooner than later.
Draft notes:
There isn’t much to be said yet of this draft until we start seeing how some of these drafted players pan out. Right now it looks like a draft with great potential but that’s what every draft looks like after only a year’s passing.
2017: Frenchman Texier Leads Off Forward-Heavy Draft
Picks by round:
Round 2
45th overall: Alexandre Texier – C, Genobile (France)
Round 3
86th overall: Daniil Tarasov – G, UFA 2 (HS – MN)
Round 4
117th overall: Emil Bemstrom – C, Leksand Jr. (Sweden)
Round 5
148th overall: Kale Howarth – LW, Trail (BCHL)
Round 6
170th overall: Jonathan Davidsson – RW, Djurgarden (Sweden)
179th overall: Carson Meyer – RW, Miami University (NCH)
Round 7
210th overall: Robbie Stucker – D, St. Thomas HS (MN)
After trading their 1st round pick to Vegas, the Jackets were going to wait until late in the 3rd round to make their first selection of the 2017 Draft. Their 2nd rounder went to Vancouver in compensation for John Tortorella’s signing with Columbus in 2016. But mid-way through the second round, the Jackets traded quality prospect Keegan Kolesar to Vegas to move up and select Texier. GM Jarmo Kekalainen stated that he would’ve been their first round pick if they had one. In other words, the Jackets had Texier highly-rated on their list.
The other headline of this draft was the Jackets’ second of two sixth round selections. Carson Meyer is a Columbus kid who chose to stay in-state at college. The Jackets decided to make his dreams come true late in the second day of the draft. He now joins former Columbus teammate Kole Sherwood in the Jackets’ prospect pool from central-Ohio.
Final Word
In recent years, the Jackets have had more reason to smile than bury their face into their palms, which was something they did almost on a yearly basis for their first decade of existence. When looking back at all those drafts, all you can think about is what could’ve been. You could say they’ve had a poor history of drafting. But the marriage of recent draft success and this past season’s on-ice success has the entire organization ecstatic about the direction of the franchise. And my goodness, does it look pretty.
