A few different players for the Columbus Blue Jackets were widely expected to be moved at the trade deadline on Monday. As the 3:00 cut-off time drew near, many began to wonder if anyone at all was going to be traded. Then, about ten minutes after it was all said-and-done, reports started coming out that Columbus had sent Max Domi to the Carolina Hurricanes right at the deadline.
The trade ended up being a somewhat-complicated three-team deal also involving the Florida Panthers. Ultimately, the Blue Jackets ended up parting ways with Domi and a sixth round pick while bringing in current Boston College defenseman and NHL prospect, Aidan Hreschuk. Quite a few fans seemed less than enthusiastic with their responses on the return Columbus received for Domi, but without getting into any commentary on the reasons for the trade or whether or not the Jackets received adequate compensation, let's take a look at who exactly is Hreschuk.
Hreschuk is a 5'11" left-handed defenseman from Long Beach, Califonia who was selected in the bottom of the third round by the Hurricanes with the 94th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. Here is a look at some pre-draft analysis from EliteProspects.
"Hreschuk looks to jump into the rush, takes passes in motion from the point, and brings some defensive value. He’s a strong single variable defender, thanks to his mobility and physicality. He drives the play to the perimeter and throws the odd hit. Physicality translates across the defensive end." -EliteProspects 2021 NHL Draft Guide
Having just turned 19 in February, the Long Beach native recently finished his freshman season with Boston College, posting eight points and a plus/minus of +9 in 37 games. While he certainly has room to grow in the points department, his +/- was the third highest on his team. He is expected to be back with the Eagles next year for his Sophomore season.
Before he got to college, the left-hander spent two years with the U.S. National Team Development Program. He played the 2019-20 season with the U-17 National Team where he tallied four goals and 20 assists in 49 games for a .49 points per game pace while ending up third among all defensemen in scoring. The next season (2020-21), he progressed even more while playing for the U-18 team, to the tune of six goals and 31 assists in 50 games - leading all defenders in points and assists. He was also an alternate captain of the U-18 team and posted an astounding +28 rating while playing for them.
Hreschuk is still very young and needs more time to further develop his playmaking, goal scoring and defense. He will have a lot of opportunity for that at the collegiate level, and only time will tell when he gets his opportunity to move up to the NHL. Until then, Blue Jackets fans will have to wait to see what he turns into for the organization.
