Well, in a shocker, the Blue Jackets actually won something in an NHL Draft Lottery and moved up one spot to pick third overall in June’s draft. This is not only the first time the Jackets have moved up in a draft in franchise history, but also the first time the team will select third – that is one of only two draft spots in the top eight draft positions at which the team hasn’t selected. Fun fact – despite never picking at third, three players drafted third overall since the Jackets entered the league have played for the Jackets: three are Marian Gaborik, Nathan Horton and Alexander Svitov.
But in another first, probably for the first time ever (other than maybe the Nash draft) the Jackets have pretty much a no-brainer for a pick. The CBJ pick will more than likely be one of Jarmo’s countrymen in either Tappara’s forward Patrick Laine or the more than likely Jesse Puljujarvi who has been a teammate of 2015 draft pick Markus Nutivaara.
Puljujarvi, a right wing, is listed at 6’3″ and he put up 28 points in 50 Liiga games. He dominated as part of Finland’s top line at the World Junior Championships with 17 points in seven games and was named the tournament’s top forward. For an encore, Jesse scored seven points in four games at the U18 tournament including a hat trick in the championship game. He had joined up after Karpat was eliminated in the playoffs and helped the young Lions win gold. Puljujarvi was also named to the all tournament team.
Here are two scouting reports on Puljujarvi from EliteProspects.com:
“Puljujärvi is a big winger who combines size, skating and skill. A strong skater who can blast past the opposition in full speed. Able to use his size, reach and stickhandling skills to retain the puck in speed. A smart player at both ends of the ice, both on and off the puck. Great work ethic and positive attitude. More of a playmaker than a scorer and could improve his shooting skills. Doesn’t shy away from physical play, but could use his size more to his benefit.”
“A truly dominant two-way force that consistently demonstrates elite hockey sense, proactive defensive awareness, and a full array of offensive tools. Comparable to Jamie Benn of the Dallas Stars, Puljujärvi owns a dangerously accurate shot, as well as exceptional playmaking ability that pairs up quite nicely with his superb vision and enthusiasm. Has the ability to absolutely dominate by using his size and speed to keep possession of the puck until he determines it to be the right time for the rubber to hit the back of the net. Everything that he does, he does well, to the fullest of his ability; there are no empty holes in this electrifying and hard-nosed forward’s game.”
Now, of course the Jackets could take Patrik Laine who is a sniper but most believe he’s gone with pick one or two which belong to Toronto and Winnipeg respectively. It’s worth considering if Jarmo could pull a Brian Burke (he doesn’t have the hair for it…oh I had to, c’mon) and somehow make a move to get the second pick. Well first you’d have to pick me off the floor of wherever I am; but, in my opinion, even though Kekalainen told the Dispatch he expects to get offers, I’m not sure Jarmo would be willing to give up that much.
There you have it folks – a quick take on a great night for the CBJ.
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