Just In: Highly Conflicting Options On Who’s The Next Blue Jacket? Draft Analysts Divided In Mocks
Columbus will pick fourth at this weekend’s NHL draft, and there’s a lot of opinions who they’ll select
Throughout the lead-up to Friday’s first round of the NHL Draft, we have consistently emphasized the potential for this year’s draft to be exceptionally unpredictable. The publication of various mock drafts by prospect experts and NHL writers lends further credence to this notion.
Upon reviewing 11 mock drafts compiled from diverse sources within the league, it becomes apparent that there is a lack of consensus regarding the potential selections, with four different players being projected to be picked by the Blue Jackets. This divergence in opinions regarding the draft further underscores the uncertainty surrounding the event.
While it is widely anticipated that Canadian center Macklin Celebrini, the recipient of this year’s Hobey Baker Award from Boston University, will be the undisputed top pick by the San Jose team, the subsequent selections appear to be shrouded in uncertainty and are subject to a wide array of possibilities.
Most of the mock drafts we reviewed predict that Michigan State defenseman Artyom Levshunov will be selected by Chicago, but the projections become more unpredictable beyond that point. The incredibly talented Russian winger Ivan Demidov is the most compelling prospect in the draft, and his placement could significantly influence the subsequent developments following the first pick. Meanwhile, the towering Russian defenseman Anton Silayev continues to be the frontrunner in predictions, including our own, to be chosen third overall by Anaheim.
When it comes to the fourth pick, Columbus will have numerous viable options, one of which is the powerful forward Cayden Lindstrom from Medicine Hat (WHL). The 6-3 center was frequently favored in the mock drafts to join Columbus due to his impressive blend of size, skating prowess, and physical style of play.
Demidov was the next most frequently projected player to join CBJ, with defenseman Sam Dickinson from London (OHL) and forward Tij Iginla from Kelowna (WHL) also featuring as potential future selections for the Blue Jackets in the drafts we surveyed.
Right now, it’s all speculation as the actual outcomes will be revealed on Friday night. In the meantime, here’s a summary of the findings from our analysis of 11 mock drafts:
Chris Peters, FloHockey: Predicts Cayden Lindstrom Explanation: Lindstrom could be chosen to strengthen the team’s center depth alongside Adam Fantilli.
Corey Pronman, The Athletic: Predicts Cayden Lindstrom Explanation: Momentum seems to be back in Lindstrom’s favor to be a top-five pick, especially after getting medical clearance from some team doctors post-NHL combine.
Scott Wheeler, The Athletic: Predicts Ivan Demidov Explanation: Despite initial expectations for Lindstrom, recent reports of Demidov’s impressive performance have influenced this prediction.
Tony Ferrari, The Hockey News: Predicts Sam Dickinson Explanation: Dickinson could be a sensible addition for Columbus considering their balanced pipeline.
Adam Kimelman, NHL.com: Predicts Cayden Lindstrom Explanation: Adding Lindstrom to the team could create a physically imposing center duo with Adam Fantilli.
Mike Morreale, NHL.com: Predicts Ivan Demidov Explanation: Demidov is recognized as one of the most naturally skilled players in this draft class.
Steven Ellis, Daily Faceoff: Predicts Tij Iginla Explanation: Describes Iginla as a top-five player with untapped potential.
Craig Button, TSN: Predicts Ivan Demidov Sam Cosentino, SportsNet: Predicts Cayden Lindstrom Explanation: Lindstrom’s power-forward style could complement the team’s young and talented group up front.
Jason Bukala, SportsNet: Predicts Cayden Lindstrom Explanation: Lindstrom’s attributes align with what the team might be looking for.
Brock Otten, McKeen’s Hockey: Predicts Ivan Demidov Explanation: Demidov is seen as the best available player at this point, and his addition would contribute significant skill to the team’s wing.
These are the predictions based on the compiled mock drafts, offering a diverse range of perspectives and insights on the potential outcomes.