Blue Jackets Sunday Prospects: Exciting Wave of Talent Approaching
Introduction
The Columbus Blue Jackets have had a challenging season, but one of the silver linings has been the development of their young forwards. Players like Adam Fantilli, Cole Sillinger, Dmitry Voronkov, Yegor Chinakhov, and Kirill Marchenko have shown promise and given fans something to be excited about. And now, there is another wave of talent approaching. Six players in the organization’s pipeline will have the opportunity to turn pro in the coming weeks, potentially making an impact with the Blue Jackets or their AHL affiliate, the Cleveland Monsters.
The Next Wave
Denton Mateychuk, a defenseman acquired in the 2022 draft, is expected to turn pro soon. He has already signed an entry-level contract and could join the Blue Jackets or AHL Cleveland for the end of their regular season and the AHL playoffs. Mateychuk is a highly regarded prospect who nearly made the NHL roster out of training camp. He has a polished two-way game and could form a dynamic defensive pair with fellow prospect David Jiricek.
Jordan Dumais, a forward drafted in the third round of the 2022 draft, is recovering from surgery but will soon have the opportunity to join the Blue Jackets or AHL Cleveland. He is known for his scoring ability and plays with a chip on his shoulder. While his size and skating have been questioned, Dumais has proven himself as a prolific scorer in junior leagues.
Gavin Brindley, a forward drafted in the second round of the 2023 draft, faces a decision in the coming weeks. After a stellar season at the University of Michigan, he could choose to turn pro instead of returning for another year in college. If he does turn pro, Brindley could sign a professional tryout contract that would allow him to play in the AHL this spring. The Blue Jackets have not tried to influence his decision and are waiting to see what he chooses.
Max McCue, a forward signed as a free agent in March 2024, will continue his season with the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League. He is not yet eligible to play in the NHL and will likely need some time in the AHL before making the jump. McCue plays a physical style and has had a strong season in junior hockey.
Guillaume Richard, a defenseman drafted in the fourth round of the 2021 draft, is currently playing for Providence College. When his season ends, he will need to decide if he wants to turn pro or return for his senior year. If he chooses to turn pro, he could join AHL Cleveland on a professional tryout contract.
Aidan Hreschuk, a defenseman acquired in a trade with Carolina and Florida, is also facing a decision about his future. As a junior at Boston College, he has the option to turn pro or return for another year of college. The Blue Jackets’ interest in Hreschuk is unclear, so it remains to be seen if he will sign an entry-level contract.
Heavy Lefties
With the departure of Andrew Peeke and injuries to David Jiricek and Adam Boqvist, the Blue Jackets find themselves lacking right-shot defensemen. This has led to some unusual lineup combinations, with players like Zach Werenski and Jake Christiansen being asked to play on their off side. Jiricek, in particular, has been sent to AHL Cleveland to work on his defensive game and gap control. However, the team still values his potential and believes he could form a strong defensive pair with Mateychuk in the future.
Player Minutes and Statistics
Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner has been playing heavy minutes since returning from a broken jaw earlier this year. He has averaged over 20 minutes per game in the past 15 games, even surpassing some of the league’s top centers in ice time. The coaching staff is aware of Jenner’s workload and tries to manage his minutes, especially in back-to-back games.
Dmitry Voronkov, despite his impressive rookie season with 17 goals, has seen limited ice time compared to other rookies. The team is carefully managing his minutes and wants to ensure a smooth transition for him as he adjusts to the NHL level.
Other Notes
Johnny Gaudreau, a veteran winger, is on track to have a career-low in goals this season. He has struggled with his shooting percentage and generating shots, which has affected his goal-scoring output.
The Blue Jackets have made several call-ups from AHL Cleveland in recent weeks, depleting the team’s roster depth. Players like Trey Fix-Wolansky, Brendan Gaunce, Carson Meyer, Mikael Pyyhtia, and Jake Christiansen have been given opportunities at the NHL level. However, this has weakened the Monsters’ lineup as they compete for a playoff spot in the AHL.
Conclusion
Despite a challenging season for the Columbus Blue Jackets, the emergence of young talent and the promise of future prospects provide hope for the team and its fans. The next wave of players, including Denton Mateychuk, Jordan Dumais, Gavin Brindley, Max McCue, Guillaume Richard, and Aidan Hreschuk, could make an impact at the NHL or AHL level in the near future. Additionally, the team is working to manage player minutes effectively and address roster depth issues. While the Blue Jackets may not be playoff-bound this season, the development of their prospects offers promise for a brighter future.