The Columbus Blue Jackets were one of the many losers in the NHL Draft Lottery from Monday night, as the Blue Jackets fall to the 14th overall selection in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft from Los Angeles, California.
The Blue Jackets are also prepared to select at the 20th overall selection as a result of the David Jiricek trade from before Thanksgiving for the first time in franchise history.
This is the the second time Columbus picks the 14th as the 2013 draft welcomed forward Alexander Wennberg, now part of the San Jose Sharks into the show.
Potential Candidates to go 14th-20th:
Lynden Lakovic, LW, Moose Jaw (WHL): Lakovic is an outstanding skater for a player his size (6-4, 190), and the 18-year-old has the ability to skate through checks or put a defender on his hip and use his length to protect the puck and use another asset, his outstanding shot. The Blue Jackets have done well finding centers the past few years in the draft, topped by Adam Fantilli, Gavin Brindley and Cayden Lindstrom. Lakovic seems like the perfect piece to put around them.
Jackson Smith: He brings good speed and movement through the neutral zone to lead the rush. A fan of Blackhawks defenseman Kevin Korchinski, Smith can run the first unit on the power play or penalty kill, can finish hits, and take charge in transition. Columbus could use more young depth on the back end.
Kashawn Aitcheson: He brings an entertaining mix of offensive skill and brute strength that makes him a nightmare to play against, similar to Ducks defenseman Jacob Trouba. The left-handed shot was smart with his aggressive style, finishing with 88 penalty minutes and a plus-6 rating in 64 games, while also drawing the toughest defensive assignments each game.
Carter Bear: The versatile forward can play center but seems most effective on wing, where he led Everett in goals (40), power-play goals (14) and points (82) in 56 games. The left-handed shot plays the bumper on the power play and had four short-handed points (two goals, two assists). Bear can scale a lineup, is hard on plays and will finish checks. A lacerated Achilles tendon sustained in March may drop him to the mid-to-late teens in the draft.
Cameron Schmidt, RW, Vancouver (WHL): The Canadiens' biggest need might be at center, but Schmidt is too good to pass up in this spot. His speed and tenacity offset any questions about his size (5-7, 161), similar to Cole Caufield. Schmidt's shot is dynamic, and the 18-year-old was tied for seventh in the WHL with 40 goals in 61 games. He has a quick release off his forehand or backhand, and he also understands how to use his skating to get defenders off balance and drive around them or through them to create chances.
Justin Carbonneau, RW, Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL): Carbonneau (6-1, 191) is a prototypical power forward with plenty of grit and smarts. His skating continues to improve, as does his 200-foot game. The right-handed shot was second in the QMJHL with 89 points (46 goals, 43 assists) in 62 games, and led Blainville-Boisbriand in goals, points and 37 power-play points (16 goals, 21 assists) in 62 games. The 18-year-old is too good to pass up at this point in the draft.
Sascha Boumedienne, LHD | 6-1, 175 Shoots: Left
Boumedienne didn’t put up big offensive numbers at Boston University, but he had a historic run at the U-18s and is flying up draft rankings. He’s shown the ability to be a steady, stay-home defenseman at the NCAA level and then drive offense against his peers at the U-18s. That versatility might make him a nice chip for the Jackets’ pipeline. They have a second pick in the first round this year, so stay tuned.
Columbus Blue Jackets: Cole Reschny, F, Victoria
Joshua Ravensbergen, G | 6-5, 195- Columbus having two picks in the first round affords them the ability to grab a couple future difference makers. Ravensbergen is the only netminder in this year’s draft who has a first-round grade, and this is a good spot for him. The Blue Jackets landing a premium goaltender makes them a dangerous proposition in a few years.
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