The NHL Network is in the midst of releasing its annual pipeline rankings, and the Columbus Blue Jackets check in with the #2 prospect pool in the NHL.
The panel, consisting of Tony Luftman, Mike Kelly, and Sam Cosentino, praised the depth and talent of the group, noting that while Adam Fantilli is the strongest prospect, three of their top five prospects are defensemen - David Jiricek (2), Denton Mateychuk (3), and Stanislav Svozil (4). Rounding out their top five was Gavin Brindley.
Those who weren't listed, like James Malatesta and Jordan Dumais, give the organization a strong stable of young players.
The panel also discussed how the acquisition of veteran defensemen like Ivan Provorov and Damon Severson will give the next wave of defensemen time to develop without being thrown to the wolves. However, it was suggested that Jiricek will be hard to keep out of the NHL this season.
Lastly, the discussion turned to new head coach Mike Babcock and his attention to detail, and how his time away from the NHL could propel the organization to new heights.
Only the Buffalo Sabres were ranked ahead of Columbus.
H/T @WallyCBJ for the YouTube video.
