A Quick Look At Where Some Columbus Blue Jackets Prospects Are Playing Next Season, And Overseas Contract Situations
It's no secret that the Columbus Blue Jackets have drafted really well since the 2020 NHL Draft. Names like Yegor Chinakhov, Kent Johnson, Cole Sillinger, and Adam Fantilli have already started to make their mark in the NHL. Meanwhile, guys like Mikael Pyyhtiä, David Jiříček, Stanislav Svozil, and Samuel Kňažko are making a name in the AHL.
But what about some other prospects who haven't turned pro in North America or those who still play overseas?
Let's take a look at where some players are playing next season.
Martin Ryšavý - LW - 2021 Draft Pick 197 - Unsigned - Ryšavý has played the last three seasons for the Moose Jaw Warriors of the WHL. In three seasons he has 103 points in 155 games. In 40 playoff games, he has 29 points. Ryšavý is currently at Development Camp and can turn pro as soon as he signs an ELC.
Nikolai Makarov - D - 2021 Draft Pick 132 - Unsigned - Makarov's KHL contract expires on April 30th, 2025. Last season he played for the KHL's CSKA Moskva and the VHL's Zvezda Moskva. He had 9 points in 36 combined games.
Sergei Ivanov - G - 2022 Draft Pick 138 - Unsigned - Ivanov is set to play for HK Sochi in the KHL as his contract runs for one more season. He went a combined 10-17-3 in the KHL and VHL. He had a save % of .925.
Kirill Dolzhenkov - RW - 2022 Draft Pick 109 - Unsigned - Dolzhenkov's KHL contract expires in 2026. He's going to play for CSKA Moskva where he played 39 games last season. He scored 4 goals and had 9 points in 39 games.
Tyler Peddle - C/LW - 2023 Draft Pick 224 - Unsigned - Peddle played last year in the QMJHL for the Drummondville Voltigeurs and Saint John Sea Dogs. Next season he'll suit up for Saint John. He turns 20 next January, so he'll be eligible for the AHL as soon as his junior season is over. He had 32 points in 65 games last season.
Melvin Strahl - G - 2023 Draft Pick 156 - Unsigned - He played last year for MoDo Hockey J20 where he went 13-15 with a save % of .903%. He's currently at CBJ Development Camp and will be playing for the Youngstown Phantoms of the USHL.
Luca Pinelli - C - 2023 Draft Pick 114 - Signed ELC - Pinelli also signed an ATO with the Cleveland Monsters in April but never got into any games. He's played the last three seasons with the Ottawa 67's of the OHL. In 194 games he's scored 91 goals and totaled 181 points. Due to him only being 19, he will need to return to Ottawa next season unless he makes the Blue Jackets out of camp. He will be eligible for the AHL as soon as his season in Ottawa is over.
Oiva Keskinen - C - 2023 Draft Pick 194 - Unsigned -Keskinen is signed with Tappara of Liiga through 25-26. He had 27 points in 54 games last season. He is currently at the CBJ development camp.
Going To College - William Whitelaw(Michigan), Andrew Strathmann(North Dakota), James Fisher(Northeastern), Guillaume Richard(Providence College), Aidan Hreschuk(Boston College)
Will any of these young players play in the Columbus organization any time soon?
What do you think? Please share your thoughts on our forum.
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