65 Days To Go Until Opening Night At Nationwide Arena: Luca Del Bel Belluz
When Luca Del Bel Belluz told reporters at development camp last year that he would be turning pro, Blue Jacket and Monster fans were excited. He had served his required time in Junior, so we knew he was on his way, but hearing him say it meant it was real.
Del Bel Belluz was drafted in 2022, #44 overall by Columbus, a pick that some considered a steal at the time. Later in 2022, he would sign his entry-level contract with the CBJ. The Mississauga Steelheads of the OHL drafted the Woodbridge, Ontario product, and then in his final year he was traded to the Sarnia Sting, also of the OHL.
In his first year with the Steelheads, he played in 58 games and was only able to muster six points. His second season would be derailed by COVID-19 as the OHL canceled the season. His third year saw him have his breakout year. In 68 games he would score 30 goals and have 76 points. In his last season, he played in 34 games for Mississauga before being traded. He would go on to score 20 goals and 41 points for the Steelheads. After being traded to Sarnia, he played in 32 games, scoring 20 goals and 46 points. He would also play in 16 playoff games for Sarnia, scoring 15 points. Another CBJ draft pick, Ole-Julian Bjørgvik-Holm was also a teammate of his with Mississauga.
LDBB is a shifty center with smooth hands. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing in at 184 pounds, he’s able to make sharp turns while handling the puck, all while continuing to attack the defense and looking for his teammates to make some plays. With his size, he would most likely be used on the wing in the NHL but given his experience taking and winning face-offs and being a playmaker, this could make him a valuable asset down the road playing wing for the CBJ. He is described as a sharpshooter by scouts and could score when he wanted to in Junior. Scouts have knocked him for his skating ability and physical play. His size doesn’t translate to having a very physical game, but with his scoring touch and play-making abilities, he can be used in other ways.
The 2023-24 was his rookie season as a pro, and he would spend the season with the Cleveland Monsters. Del Bel Belluz played 59 games, scoring 9 goals and totaling 31 points. In the Calder Cup Playoffs, he played 9 games and had two points.
On April 16th, he would be called up to make his NHL debut against the Carolina Hurricanes. Although he only played 9:35 of the game, he would make it count. On his first NHL shot, he would blister the puck past the Hurricane goalie to score his first NHL goal.
After the game, he, along with all the other Monsters who were playing for Columbus, were returned to Cleveland for the final weekend of the regular season. The Monsters would go on to win out thanks to the returning players, and make a deep playoff run.
Del Bel Belluz will most likely be spending the majority of this upcoming season with the Monsters again, but with new GM Don Waddell in charge now, some of the kids in Cleveland may get to spend some time in Columbus.
LDBB has a chance to be a really good player.
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