The Columbus Blue Jackets are picking 34th in the draft
The Columbus Blue Jackets are expected to use the #34 pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft next week in Nashville.
They have picked #34 twice in the history of the franchise. Once in 2010, drafting LW Dalton Smith, and then again in 2016, when the CBJ drafted Andrew Peeke, out of Notre Dame.
How have those picks done? 2010’s Dalton Smith, currently in the Colorado Avalanche organization, has played in one NHL game since he turned pro in 2012. He played a single game for the Buffalo Sabres in 2019-20. And that would be it for his NHL career. Smith has played in 441 career AHL games, recording 32 goals and 67 points.
Andrew Peeke has done better in his career as a 34th pick. He has played in 195 career NHL games, scoring 9 goals and 34 points. Maybe 34 is the lucky number. The big defenseman has been a crucial piece of that defense the last few years, especially with the constant injuries. Last season, while the CBJ had over 500-man games lost, he managed to miss only two games. The year before, he played in all 82 games.
Unfortunately for Peeke, he has been the talk of trade speculation since the Jackets traded for both Ivan Provorov and Damon Severson. The Blue Jackets are currently sitting with 20 defensemen in the system. Something must give on the blue line.
Who will the Blue Jackets draft with the 34th pick in this year’s draft? Or will they trade that pick? We will find out next Wednesday.