The Blue Jackets were busy on Saturday with nine picks throughout the second day of the draft. Let’s take a look at each pick from the second day in action. We’ve curated some video and hockey analysis on the newest Jacket players – our full analysis of all nine picks will be coming later this week courtesy of CBJ Prospects.
Paul Bittner, Round 2 Pick #38:
Curtis Joe, Elite Prospects:
“A big-bodied power forward that plays with tenacity and an edge. Relentless on the forecheck and is able to bully his way to the net with his size and speed. Has a good stick around the net and has an accurate rocket of a shot. Thinks the game well and is able to frustrate opposing players while playing physically. All-in-all, an impact player that uses his size and skill to his advantage. Gaining consistency will be integral to his future success.”
Ben Kerr, Last Word on Sports on Paul Bittner (Ranked #17 on their list):
“Paul Bittner is the type of big winger who has NHL scouts salivating. He has the size and skills to be a budding power forward, with the strength to get to the front of the net, and the soft hands to finish plays in tight. He also has a very powerful wrist shot and an excellent release. He doesn’t throw a lot of big hits, but still uses his size effectively. Bittner is not afraid to stand in front of the net and cause havoc for the opposing goaltender and is more than willing to battle for pucks in the corners, and to take a big hit to make a play. He gets in quickly on the forecheck and pressures defenders and forces turnovers. Bittner is very good at protecting the puck in the cycle and can make a good pass to keep the play going, though he is much more of a scorer than a playmaker.”
Kevin Stenlund, Round 2 Pick #58:
Curtis Joe, Elite Prospects:
“An intelligent, big-bodied center with superb puckhandling ability. His greatest asset is his mature mindset: he thinks the game at a high level. Plays a simplified, complete game and doesn’t make low-percentage plays. Uses his edges well at a level that suits his style of play – physical and hard to play against; that being said, there is still room for improvement in his skating and first three strides. Protects the puck well.”
Bill Placzek, Draft Site:
“Big sized quick playmaker who moves well, has a quick release, soft hands, and shiftiness. Already has the height, range and growing muscle, and now must increase his acceleration and first step jump. Teams will expect him to use his size in both the defensive and attack zones more than he has displayed. Really good passer and deceptive shooter who will get consideration as longer developmental guy.”
Keegan Kolesar, Round 3 Pick #69:
Curtis Joe, Elite Prospects:
“A gritty two-way winger with the hard-nosedness and work ethic to frustrate opponents every time he is on the ice. Possesses good awareness in all three zones and knows how to backcheck hard; however, this doesn’t take away from his offensive ability, as he has shown flashes of great offensive playmaking and finishing ability. All-in-all, a physical two-way winger that consistently plays to his strengths and is productive with his ice time.”
Craig Button, TSN:
“Kolesar is a big, rugged winger who plays in straight lines and can make defencemen very uncomfortable when he’s bearing down on them. He uses his size to establish his presence and understanding what an asset this is and maximizing it will only make it that much more uncomfortable for opponents.”
Projects as a gritty third line winger. Player comparable: Matt Martin.
Sam Ruopp, Round 5 Pick #129:
Bill Placzek, Draft Site:
“Big Western League defender with a good compete level and excellent size. Not afraid to drop ’em. Longer term development prospect.”
Veeti Vainio, Round 5 Pick #141:
Dennis Schellenberg, Hockey Prospectus:
“Vainio’s offensive game and ability to create offence, lead rushes and zone entries are strong. Additionally, he has great skating agility and speed plus is a strong puckhandler. But there are valid concerns he is not able to put his own zone game together. He had a few games in the Finnish highest league and got a contract for next year. It will be interesting to see if he can improve his own zone game. If he can, he might be a steal in a lower drafting round. He is often called a boom or bust prospect, therefore hard to project but he might be picked in the 3rd or 4th round, making him a Tier IV draft prospect.”
Marco Bambino, Future Considerations (Courtesy of Canucks Army):
“Vainio is an excellent skater with great poise, vision and solid shot selection. However, his physical game and defensive zone coverage were really concerning for me. He must get stronger and show more determination when he’s without the puck. The lack of effort was not good to see from a high-end talent like him. For me, he’s a mid-round selection in the draft. There’s some really good offensive potential, but other parts of his game need to improve. I think playing at the second highest level (Mestis) would be best for his development. I don’t see him playing full time in Liiga yet, but I do believe he will play some games, especially when Blues will also compete in the Champions Hockey League.”
Vladislav Gavrikov, Round 6 Pick #159:
Hockey’s Future:
“A big defenseman with some good mobility, Gavrikov can throw the body around and play with some good edge and grit. He plays more of a defensive style and isn’t a top contributor in the offensive zone, but is good in killing penalties and can play in different situations. His skating needs some work, as does his reactiveness and positional play. He has some upside regarding defensive play, but it’s right now not clear if he has what it takes for a long career in the NHL.”
Ben Kerr, Last Word on Sports:
“Gavrikov has excellent size and is not afraid to use it. He plays a very physical game, standing up zone entries at the line, punishing opponents who try to go wide on him, throwing plenty of hits in the corners, and clearing the front of the net. He plays excellent positional defense, maintaining good gap control and forcing attacker to the outside and away from key danger areas in his zone. He is a willing shot blocker who is not afraid to get into shooting lanes, and uses his long stick to cut down on passing lanes. He proved to be particularly strong in the penalty kill when playing for the Russian national junior teams. To top it all off, he is a player who shows leadership on the ice and was rewarded by being named the captain of Team Russia, and the captain of his MHL club. Adding muscle over the last year was a big reason why he was so much better in board battles and clearing the net this season, and led to his breakthrough performance at the World Juniors.”
Markus Nutivaara, Round 7 Pick #189:
Again – be sure to check back for our in depth analysis and review of all the players the Blue Jackets drafted later this week courtesy of CBJ Prospects.
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