In years past, the Columbus Blue Jackets prospect pipeline was so deep that any number of players could step up and make an impact. It didn't matter the pedigree or the accomplishments (though there were several first-round picks with outstanding junior hockey careers) that came before them -- if they could skate and score, they had a place on the team.
The overall depth may not be there for the Blue Jackets right now, but they still have impressive players in the organization. Finding the diamonds in the rough and developing them is half of the battle for a team that's built on a "draft and develop" model.
We go from 20 through 16 to 15 through 11 and now have landed at 10 through 6 where impact players can be found. These are the players that range from a first round pedigree to established and proven junior hockey scorers.
These are players 10 through 6, as selected by the 1st Ohio Battery staff.
10. Andrew Peeke - Defenseman
Built in the similar mold of many other drafted Blue Jackets defensemen, Peeke has a big body, is fairly nimble with the puck, and can score when given an opportunity. Skating significant minutes with a good Notre Dame squad, a lot of experience was gained during a NCAA tournament run.
Peeke doesn't appear to be as offensively gifted as previous players that have come before him and he doesn't look to be as defensively capable as players such as Gabriel Carlsson. That leaves Peeke as solid and unspectacular, a tough place to be if a player is trying to make a name for himself -- but as a defenseman, that's part of the job description.
9. Calvin Thurkauf - Forward
Drafted as an over-ager, Thurkauf could've been seen as an already-finished product. Having played in multiple World Junior Championships, Thurkauf has shown that he can play well and dominate against his peers. Thurkauf was named captain of his native Switzerland team for the 2017 U20 World Junior championship.
While scoring at slightly above a point-per-game pace with the Kelowna Rockets (WHL), Thurkauf wasn't overly flashy with his scoring but found ways to get the puck in the net. He won't wow you with game-breaking skill, but similarly to Peeke before him, Thurkauf is a solid player who has a future in the Blue Jackets organization.
8. Alexandre Texier - Forward
Likely the highest potential you'll find on this tier, Texier has dominated the French leagues at the tender age of 17. Needing another challenge, Texier has moved to Liiga in Finland. Playing against grown men is nothing new to Texier, but playing at another level of competition may require an adjustment.
Scoring 70 points in 17 games in the U18 French league in 2015-16 as a 16-year-old is an accomplishment in itself. There aren't many, if any, statistical comparables and it is hard to project Texier at the next level, but the Blue Jackets liked him enough to take him with their first pick of 2017 (and Jarmo Kekalainen said he was a first-rounder on their board). Given his penchant for creative hockey, at the very least, he'll be entertaining to watch.
7. Vladislav Gavrikov - Defenseman
Very nearly joining the Blue Jackets this past offseason, Gavrikov is stuck in the middle of prospect-dom. He has almost aged out at this point and has been playing professional hockey for years. Not to discredit Russian hockey, but Gavrikov hasn't played extensively in North America, and so his status has remained stagnant.
Gavrikov is similar to many current Blue Jackets defensive prospects. Nearly all of them are defensively-minded players and have a tiny bit of offense to their game. Gavrikov has a great shot and is regarded as a good passer as well; his lack of upside is concerning given the priority he may receive when he decides to come over to the NHL.
6. Kevin Stenlund - Forward
Having played as a top-six center in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), Stenlund has a wealth of experience and skill to play in North America currently. Stenlund helped lead his team to a league championship where he scored at over half a point per game. That is good for any age, let alone a 20-year-old.
Stenlund already has an entry-level contract signed with the Blue Jackets but appears keen to stick in the SHL to improve his game. As he plays on loan, it'll be intriguing to see if his goal scoring totals go up as he has looked dominant at times. With a 6-foot-4 frame and sound offensive instincts, Stenlund has the ability to take over a game. Adding another facet to an already-compelling player should have scouts salivating about his potential.
