Blue Jackets 2017 Draft Review

[JacketsGM (Jer)]

Welcome to the 2017 Columbus Blue Jackets Draft Review.

This season, the Blue Jackets had six picks in the draft, with two in the first round. With a large group of prospects still in development - the Jackets looked to grab players of all positions and try to find that draft gem.

Making two selections smack dab in the middle of the first round, the Jackets selected a couple of potential offensive players. Eeli Tolvanen is an undersized offensive forward with the potential for a rocket of a shot. One selection later they grabbed another undersized skater in defenceman Erik Braanstrom. Braanstrom looks to develop into a smooth-skating playmaker from the backend.

15. Columbus Blue Jackets - (LR) Eeli Tolvanen
16. Columbus Blue Jackets - (D) Erik Brannstrom

In the second round, the Blue Jackets look to have drafted a safe, defensive defenceman in Urho Vaakanainen. Urho's best trait might be that he's so well balanced.

46. Columbus Blue Jackets - (D) Urho Vaakanainen

A potential AHL star, or bottom six NHLer, Kole Lind was selected in the third round.

76. Columbus Blue Jackets - (R/L) Kole Lind

In the fourth round, the Jackets looked at their goaltending depth, and selected a goalie.

106. Columbus Blue Jackets - (G) Olle Eriksson Ek

A boom/bust defender, Miller will hopefully develop into a dependable AHL defender with a chance at spot NHL duty. About all you could ask of a fifth rounder.

136. Columbus Blue Jackets - (D) Thomas Miller

Thanks for reading.