Can they make the big club?

It’s no secret the Columbus Blue Jackets have one of, if not the best prospect pool in the entire league. Names like Kent Johnson, Kirill Marchenko and Cole Sillinger already play with the big club. Meanwhile, David Jiricek and Yegor Chinakhov have also seen time in Columbus. But who else could possibly see time in Columbus, or even make the team? This franchise is filled with kids who are highly skilled at their positions and itching to make an impact.

Centerman Luca Del Bel Belluz has said he’s starting his pro career, most likely in Cleveland. The 19-year-old signed his 3-year ELC back in December of 2022, and it will kick in this season. He’s a highly skilled center who had 40 goals and 87 points last season, for the Mississauga Steelheads and Sarnia Sting of the OHL. With the CBJ trying to figure out the center position, it’s possible he plays some games for Columbus.

Winger Jordan Dumais also is looking to make the team out of camp. Dumais can only play in the NHL, or he can go back to the QMJHL per the NHL/CHL agreement. Last season he put up record numbers, scoring 54 goals and 140 points. Many believe he should go back to junior for another year, while others think that he has nothing left to prove in junior. Expect to see him in a CBJ uniform for at least a couple games at the start of next season before they make the final decision on what to do with him.

Related: The Curious Case of Jordan Dumais

Big Russian Dmitri Voronkov made the decision to come to North America. Standing 6-foot-4 and 190 pounds he looks to come in with a physical game and score some goals. However, many believe he will take the Kirill Marchenko approach, and start in Cleveland. This will get him acclimated to the North American size ice. There is no need to rush him to Columbus, but expect to see him in Union Blue sooner rather than later.

James Malatesta is a player that many have been waiting for. The 20-year-old finished his season with the QMJHL’s Quebec Remparts with 37 goals and 66 points. In the Q playoffs, he had 20 points in 18 games, and scored five goals in the Memorial Cup. He may be listed at 5-foot-9 179 lbs., but he plays much bigger. He brings a tough physical game, but also has a scoring touch. He could be one of the first call-ups should they need him.

One thing is for certain, the Jackets have a very good set of prospects. The Cleveland Monsters could be very good for the next few seasons, and with the draft they just had, it could get even better.