Three Blue Jackets Prospects Who Could Realistically Make The 2024-25 Roster

Let's first start by saying that there will be a lot of work to do by the new General Manager in terms of roster management, specifically by signing, or not signing the RFA's that the club will have this summer. Also, he or she will need to figure out what to do with Elvis Merzlikins, meaning trading or buying out. 

It's no secret that the Columbus Blue Jackets have one of the deepest, and most talented prospect pools in the NHL, and some of those kids could very well push for spots next season. 

Denton Mateychuk

Mateychuk had a stellar year for Moose Jaw. Playing in 52 games, he scored 17 goals and had 75 points. The soon-to-be 20-year-old should be turning pro after this season of juniors, and his 28 points (so far) in this year's playoffs are just cementing that. The left-shot defenseman will be young, but there's no doubt that he should push for a roster spot in the fall. Fans are hoping he doesn't get the David Jiricek treatment and spend most of his time in Cleveland. Will the new GM want him to marinate in the AHL, or will he get a chance to learn on the fly in the NHL? With the terrible defense the team has been playing, many are asking, why not let him play in the NHL?

James Malatesta

He got a chance to play in a few NHL games at the end of this past season, and he didn't disappoint. He collected some points, fought, and made life rough for the opposing teams at times. But he's not just a tough guy, Malatesta has some skill to go along with his grit. He scored 98 goals for the Quebec Remparts in four years of junior hockey and had 20 points in 18 games in the 2023 playoffs before turning pro. His first pro season playing for the Cleveland Monsters saw him score 12 goals and total 22 points. He could be added to a line with Mathieu Olivier and be a terror to the other team on the ice. 

Jet Greaves

This seems like a no-brainer, but it all comes down to what the CBJ can do with Elvis Merzlikins. If Elvis is no longer a Blue Jacket come this summer, then Jet Greaves will undoubtedly make the big roster. But if Merzlikins is still in Columbus, then the greatest goalie to ever wear a Monsters jersey will be adding to his historic stats for another season in Cleveland. Greaves played well for most of the games he played in Columbus this season. He and Tarasov are young and could be a great duo for years to come if the team around them can get better and help them out.  

There are people out there wondering if maybe former GM Jarmo Kekäläinen may have been holding the development of young players back. The new GM would be wise to not hold anything, or anyone back when it comes to some of these kids. 

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