Hello, all! Time again for my post-draft ranking of the Jackets’ prospects along with something new – I’ve decided to rank the prospects by position (referring to EliteProspects.com/the NHL site for some that were in question). So let’s start with our ranking and then we’ll do the positional breakdown.
First, as we always do, let’s look at our last list from just after the World Juniors:
1. Alexander Wennberg
2. Anton Forsberg
3. Sonny Milano
4. Oliver Bjorkstrand
5. Kerby Rychel
6. Mike Reilly
7. Marko Dano
8. Cody Goloubef
9. Austin Madaisky
10. Josh Anderson
11. Michael Chaput
12. Peter Quenneville
13. Nick Moutrey
14. Oscar Dansk
15. Dillon Heatheringon
16. Daniel Zaar
17. Markus Soberg
18. Joonas Korpisalo
19. Blake Siebenaler
20. Elvis Merzlikins
Now, as you can see, there are going to be a lot of changes in this list, especially near the top with four of the top 10 either “graduating” or leaving the organization.
Here’s my take for the newest ranking for Jackets’ prospects. I’ve listed both the team each player played for last season as well as their projected home for the coming year:
1. Zach Werenski-University of Michigan (2015 Pick)
2015/16 Team University of Michigan
As is the usual, the top pick from the latest draft takes over the top spot. Werenski made Michigan fans happy when he announced he would return to Ann Arbor for his sophomore season. Werenski is the Jackets top defenseman prospect and will be the Wolverine’s top d-man this year. He also appears to be a lock for Team USA at the World Juniors in Finland.
2. Oliver Bjorkstrand-Portland Winterhawks (Last Ranking: 4)
2015/16 Team-Lake Erie Monsters
Bjokrstrand has been one of the WHL’s leading scorers the last two seasons and will be going pro this season. Bjorkstrand was a common trade target for teams at the draft but the Jackets held onto the reigning Four Broncos Trophy winner. Bjorkstrand could make the Jackets out of camp but with few holes in the top six, Oliver should start the year in Cleveland and hopefully be amongst the top AHL rookies.
3. Sonny Milano-Plymouth Whalers/Springfield Falcons (Last Ranking: 3)
2015/16 Team-Lake Erie Monsters
Last year’s top pick started the year on the IR then became the Whalers’ (R.I.P.) leading scorer averaging almost an assist a game. With the Whalers not making the playoffs, it was off to Springfield where Milano picked up five assists in 10 games. Sonny is in the same boat as Bjorkstrand – he will have a chance at making the Jackets out of camp but will more than likely be in Cleveland to start the season. For any Monsters fans reading, get ready to hear this a lot: “Milano from his backhand.”
4. Kerby Rychel-Springfield Falcons/Columbus Blue Jackets (Last Ranking: 5)
2015/16 Team-Lake Erie Monsters
The Jackets’ top power forward prospect got off to a bit of a slow start last year before before picking up six points in six games. He then hit another cold streak before getting hot again. Kerby was the last of the 2013 1st round picks to make his NHL debut, but he didn’t look out of place when he got there – picking up three assists in five games. Kerby was playing some of his best hockey in January and February before a concussion ended his season. Kerby has a…you know what, see above about making the CBJ out of camp.
5. Anton Forsberg-Springfield Falcons/Columbus Blue Jackets (Last Ranking: 2)
2015/16 Team-Lake Erie Monsters
Last year Anton continued his strong play that had begun the season before when he came over after finishing the season in Sweden. With Springfield, Anton ended up being one of the AHL’s top rookie netminders before an injury ended his season. Anton is expected to be the Monsters’ starting goalie forming a tandem with North American rookie, Joonas Korpisalo.
6. Austin Madaisky-Springfield Falcons (Last Ranking: 9)
2015/16 Team-Lake Erie Monsters
The highest returning Jackets defensive prospect (curses under breath…sorry, I’m over Reilly,) Madaisky had a breakout season last year until the most CBJiest thing happened. The defenseman’s season ended when a teammate fell on him in practice and broke his ankle. Madaisky was the Falcons leading scorer for parts of last season and he even finished in the top 20 of defenseman scoring for the AHL. Madaisky also played in the AHL All-Star Game where he scored a goal. This year could be seen as a make or break year for Austin as he signed a one year deal this summer.
7. William Karlsson-Springfield Falcons/Norfolk Admirals/Columbus Blue Jackets (Acquired Via Trade, Last Ranking: N/A)
2015/16 Team-Lake Erie Monsters
“Wild Bill” as he will probably be called more now (drafting another Carlsson will do that) is now the Jackets’ top center prospect. Karlsson struggled in Springfield where he picked up zero points in 15 games but in his three games with the Jackets he didn’t look out of place and he gathered up two points. William is in the same boat as the other forwards already on this list – he’ll need to beat out players with one way deals and is probably best suited to a spot in the top six.
8. Michael Paliotta-University of Vermont/Chicago Blackhawks (Acquired Via Trade, Last Ranking: N/A)
2015/16 Team-Lake Erie Monsters
Acquired in the Brandon Saad trade, Paliotta was the Catamounts captain last season and he was named a Second Team All-American along with team MVP. Paliotta is the reigning Hockey East Defensive Defenseman of the year and made his NHL debut last year when he played in the Blackhawks season finale and picked up an assist. Mike is more than likely to play in Lake Erie this season but he could possibly sneak onto the Jackets opening night roster with a strong camp (I’d rather have him playing as much as possible which means spending most of his time in Cleveland).
9. Paul Bittner-Portland Winterhawks (2015 Draft Pick)
2015-16 Team-Portland Winterhawks
Bittner was the first forward selected by the Jackets this year and he is another one facing a bit of a make or break season. The reason I say this is due to an agreement between the CHL and NHL and this being Paul’s fourth year in the WHL. This all means he’s eligible to play for the Lake Erie Monsters next year (16-17). Last season, Paul played on the Hawk’s top line that included Oliver Bjorkstrand and 2013 WHL leading scorer Nic Petan, and with both of them graduating Paul is the team’s leading returning scorer. Paul also impressed at the recent US National Junior Evaluation Camp meaning USA Hockey will be keeping a close eye on him this season.
10. Josh Anderson-Springfield Falcons/Columbus Blue Jackets (Last Ranking: 10)
2015-16 Team-Lake Erie Monsters
Probably one of the tougher players on this list, Josh is another power forward who’s not afraid to drop the gloves. But when he keep’s them on Josh is a true power forward/net front presence for the Monsters. Josh got off to a slow start, taking 24 games to score his first pro goal, but he still made his NHL debut and did not look out of place in his six games with Columbus.
11. Dillon Heatherington-Swift Current Broncos/Springfield Falcons (Last Ranking: 15)
2015-16 Team-Lake Erie Monsters
Another member in the Blue Jackets stable of young big defensemen, Dillon is a defensive defenseman (think Dalton Prout without the one punch knockouts) who had a down year after setting back-to-back career highs in points. After the Broncos were eliminated from the playoffs, Dillon was off to Springfield where he played in three games and picked up an assist. Dillon will more than likely be in Cleveland slotting in somewhere among the Monsters top four Dmen.
12. Gabriel Carlsson-Linkoping J20 (2015 Pick)
2015/16 Team-Linkoping
Yes folks, there is a first round pick that I don’t have in my top 10, but Carlsson was the best defensive defenseman available in this year’s draft according to one draft guide. The main knock on Carlsson is that some say he won’t ever put up big numbers offensively or any numbers it seems, but hey, for every Erik Karlsson you need that big bruiser on the blueline to shutdown the other team’s top line. Gabriel was a late add to Sweden’s team in Lake Placid and according to my Linkoping sources, he should be with the SHL club this season.
13. Daniel Zaar-Lulea HF (Last Ranking: 16)
2015/16 Team Lake Erie Monsters
After Bjorkstrand, the Jackets’ best sniper prospect is Zaar who starred for the Bears in the Champions Hockey League and led them in scoring. Daniel is expected to come over to North America and will probably land (really the only place he fits in the lineup) in the Monsters top six, possibly earning power play time. There could be a bit of a learning curve for Zaar, but that’s what the AHL is somewhat for.
14. Veeti Vainio-Blues J20 (2015 Pick)
2015/16 Team-Blues
The player that will go down as the first Finnish player selected by the first Finnish GM is Espoo Blues “defenseman” Veeti Vainio. Remember what I said about Gabriel Carlsson earlier? Well, the complete and polar opposite is Vainio. Vainio led all defensemen in scoring last year picking up 44 points in 42 games while wearing an A for the Blues J20 team. Vainio seems to be a high risk-high reward pick with his offensive abilities/defensive liabilities.
15. Michael Chaput-Springfield Falcons/Columbus Blue Jackets (Last Ranking: 11)
2015/16 Team-Lake Erie Monsters
Taking over the David Savard “is he still a prospect?” spot is Michael Chaput. Michael started the year on the Jackets’ fourth line before being sent back to Springfield as the Jackets got healthy. Michael will probably be the Monsters third line center and is another prospect in a make or break season as he was only signed to a one year deal this summer. Chaput is currently the top center prospect as far as faceoffs go but watch for 2015 Kevin Stenlund who has been said to be no slouch in the draft guides I read, (but more on him later).
16. Nick Moutrey-Saginaw Spirit/North Bay Battalion (Last Ranking: 13)
2015/16 Team Lake Erie Monsters
Another in the Jackets’ group of power forward prospects is Nick Moutrey. Moutrey started the season by being named the captain of the Saginaw Spirit and he put up big numbers. Moutrey matched his season point total of the year before in 36 games compared to 68 the year before. His good start made Nick one of the Battalion’s big pickups at the trade deadline. Once in North Bay, Nick was more of a cog as opposed to being the focus as he was in Saginaw. This season, Nick will be off to Lake Erie to begin his pro career.
17. Joonas Korpisalo-Ilves (Last Ranking: 18)
2015/16 Team Lake Erie Monsters
If there’s one player on this list that could do the most moving around it’s Joonas since he’s just up 71 North instead of a 14 hour flight away. Joonas was Ilves’ starting goalie last year and he finished in the top 20 in GAA and save percentage. Joonas was part of the longest playoff game in Liiga history-one his team would ultimately lose, and then Joonas was off to Springfield where he appeared in three games – taking two losses. This year its expected for Joonas to pair with Anton Forsberg in Lake Erie.
18. TJ Tynan-Springfield Falcons (Last Ranking: Unranked)
2015/16 Team Lake Erie Monsters
Our first debut that isn’t a 2015 draft pick or trade asset is Falcons’ leading scorer TJ Tynan. Along with leading the Falcons in scoring, TJ was of the AHL’s top rookie scorers. TJ should be in the Monsters top six and he should also see power play time (five of his 13 goals came on the PP). TJ is a master playmaker so if he’s teamed up with Sonny and Oliver look for that line to do some damage.
19. Kevin Stenlund-HV71 J20 (2015 pick)
2015/16 Team HV71
The second of three forwards drafted by the Jackets this year is big Swedish center, Kevin Stenlund. Stenlund was the captain of the Chainsaws (HV71’s main sponsor is Husqvarna) J20 team and he is expected to be a full-timer in the SHL this season. Kevin made his SHL debut last season scoring a goal in 17 games. Kevin thinks the game at a high level but needs to improve his skating (he has battled back from two knee injuries).
20. Elvis Merzlikins-HC Lugano (Last Ranking: 20)
2015/16 Team HC Lugano
The last goalie on this list is Latvian goalie, Elvis Merzlikins. The winning goalie in both appearances in the Jackets development camp four-on-four tournaments, Merzlikins was one of the Swiss League’s top goalies last year – finishing top 10 in both GAA and save percentage. HC Lugano is celebrating its 75th season this year and it appears Lugano’s coach likes to split time between Elvis and Daniel Manzato. This is the last season the Jackets hold Elvis’ rights but I found an article this summer suggesting the Jackets could sign Elvis but he’d have to remain in Switzerland since he doesn’t have an out clause.
And there is my annual post-draft top 20 list. I’ll have another update to it after the World Junior Championships. Now, for the something new I mentioned, below I rank the Jackets prospects by position (considering where they will be presumed to play with their 2015/16 Team).
LEFT WING
1. Sonny Milano-Lake Erie Monsters (AHL)
2. Kerby Rychel-Lake Erie Monsters (AHL)
3. Paul Bittner-Portland Winterhawks (WHL)
4. Markus Hannikainen-Lake Erie Monsters (AHL)
5. Julien Pelletier-Sherbrooke Phoenix (QMJHL)
CENTER
1. William Karlsson-Lake Erie Monsters (AHL)
2. Michael Chaput-Lake Erie Monsters (AHL)
3. T.J. Tynan-Lake Erie Monsters (AHL)
4. Kevin Stenlund-HV71 (SHL)
5. Peter Quenneville-TBD
6. Alex Broadhurst-Lake Erie Monsters (AHL)
7. Lukas Sedlak-Lake Erie Monsters (AHL)
RIGHT WING
1. Oliver Bjorkstand-Lake Erie Monsters (AHL)
2. Josh Anderson-Lake Erie Monsters (AHL)
3. Daniel Zaar-Lake Erie Monsters (AHL)
4. Nick Moutrey-Lake Erie Monsters (AHL)
5. Keegan Kolesar-Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
6. Kole Sherwood-London Knights (OHL)
7. Tyler Bird-Brown University (NCAA)
8. Markus Soberg-Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
DEFENSEMEN
1. Zach Werenski-University of Michigan (NCAA)
2. Austin Madaisky-Lake Erie Monsters (AHL)
3. Michael Paliotta-Lake Erie Monsters (AHL)
4. Dillon Heatherington-Lake Erie Monsters (AHL)
5. Gabriel Carlsson-Linkoping HC (SHL)
6. Veeti Vanio-Espoo Blues (Liiga)
7. Ryan Collins-University of Minnesota (NCAA)
8. Blake Siebenaler-Niagara IceDogs (OHL)
9. Dean Kukan-Lake Erie Monsters (AHL)
10. Markus Nutivaara-Oulu Karpat (Liiga)
11. Vladislav Gavrikov-Yarolsavl Lokomotiv (KHL)
12. Olivier LeBlanc-Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (QMJHL)
13. Sam Ruopp-Prince George Cougars (WHL)
GOALIES
1. Anton Forsberg
2. Joonas Korpisalo
3. Elvis Merzlikins
4. Oscar Dansk
We’re getting close to the start of the season folks (single digits until the KHL gets started) so I’ll be back with my three separate prospects previews soon plus were getting close to Traverse City starting.
Photo credits: Werenski: MGoBlog (Flickr), Rychel: Michael Miller (Wikimedia), Bjorkstrand: Lowdown (Wikimedia), Forsberg: Lisa Gansky (Wikimedia)
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