Yardbarker
Yardbarker
x
Blue Jackets Mock Draft 1.0: Columbus Picks 14th & 20th
Jackson Smith, Tri-City Americans (Photo Credit: Tri-City Americans)

The 2025 NHL Draft Lottery has passed, and the Columbus Blue Jackets now know exactly where they’ll be making their selections. The team was unlucky, though, dropping one spot from 13 to 14, while they also hold another first-round pick 20th overall —acquired via a trade with the Minnesota Wild this past season.

After just missing out on the playoffs, the Blue Jackets want to take the next step in 2025-26. Owning two top-20 picks and having plenty of cap space puts them in a great spot to add impact players this offseason to help the team immediately.

How the Blue Jackets Got Pick No. 20

On Nov. 30, 2024, the Blue Jackets sent David Jiricek and a 2025 fifth-round pick to the Wild in exchange for Daemon Hunt, a 2025 1st-round pick (20th overall), a 2026 third-round pick, a 2026 fourth-round pick, and a 2027 second-round pick.

This move gave Columbus another valuable first-round selection, giving them flexibility to either draft two strong prospects or package picks to address immediate roster needs.

Draft Strategy & Possibilities

General manager Don Waddell has several options heading into the draft. If Columbus identifies a player in the top 10 that they truly believe can be a game-changer, they could try to move up. On the other hand, they might choose to stay put and make their picks at 14 and 20 if the board plays out in their favor.

But there’s always the possibility of trading one or both picks, especially knowing the Blue Jackets do not want to miss the playoffs again next season. That urgency makes a trade feel like the most probable outcome at this moment, but much can change between now and draft day. The team will spend the coming months evaluating which prospects best fit their needs.

Blue Jackets fans can expect to know more after the combine early in June.

Addressing Needs: Defense & Goaltending

Columbus has some promising young defensemen developing in the system, but they still need to add more depth. Luca Marrelli has been a strong presence for the Oshawa Generals during the 2024-25 (Ontario Hockey League) OHL playoffs, stepping up in key moments. Through 16 playoff games, he has recorded six goals and 25 assists for 31 points, showing his ability to contribute offensively while remaining reliable in his own end. His confidence with the puck and his steady two-way defensive play continue to grow, making him a player Columbus will be keeping a close eye on as he develops.

Now, Oshawa is heading into the OHL Final against the London Knights, who have been dominant all postseason with a perfect 12-0 record. The Knights come in as heavy favorites, but this will be their toughest test yet against a well-rounded Generals team. Marrelli’s performance in this series will be a great opportunity to see how he handles high-pressure situations.

Meanwhile, defenseman Denton Mateychuk put together a solid first NHL season and performed well with the Cleveland Monsters in the American Hockey League. His transition to the NHL was smooth, showing he can be an effective two-way defenseman with the ability to generate offense from the blue line.

However, uncertainty remains regarding Ivan Provorov and Dante Fabbro’s futures, as their return depends on free agency decisions this summer. This makes it crucial for Columbus to continue reinforcing their defensive depth.

Another key area is goaltending. Jet Greaves has shown promise, but Columbus could benefit from adding another solid netminder to work alongside him, possibly a bigger-bodied goalie. Who knows how this will come about (via trade or draft), or even if there will be a change in net for next season, but I don’t personally see this staff running Elvis Merzlikins out there as the number one next season.

Organizational Depth & the Draft

Columbus already has a strong group of young centers in the system. Cayden Lindstrom, Luca Pinelli, and Luca Del Bel Belluz are all highly competitive and eager to make an impact at the next level. With plenty of talent already lined up in the forward group, the team’s primary focus should be on strengthening its blue line.

If Columbus stays with their 14th and 20th-overall picks, here are two potential players who could make sense based on team needs:

14. Jackson Smith – LD – Tri City Americans (WHL)

Smith is one of the best defensemen coming out of the Western Hockey League (WHL), and if he’s still available at 14th, the Blue Jackets should take him without hesitation. He plays a well-rounded game, thriving in all three zones and making an impact with his skating, puck movement, and defensive awareness.

His ability to transition the puck efficiently is one of his strongest assets, as he regularly controls zone exits and entries, helping his team maintain possession and create scoring chances. He isn’t the flashiest player offensively, but he makes smart decisions with the puck and knows how to support the attack when needed.

“He’s physical, he skates so well, and he’s as mobile as it gets for a 6-foot-3 defenseman. I also think his hockey sense is great, and it’s only a matter of time until he finds a way to explode offensively. Scouts see him as a top-four defenseman who can play a bunch of different roles. He should be an impact player on Canada’s World Junior team next year, too, which will help his overall profile.”

– Steven Ellis, Daily Faceoff

Smith had a strong season with the Tri-City Americans, contributing 11 goals and 43 assists for a solid 54 points across 68 regular-season games. When the WHL playoffs rolled around, he kept making an impact, adding a goal and two assists in five games despite the tough competition. He also suited up for Team Canada at the U18 World Championship, where he played a key role, netting four goals and an assist over seven games while finishing with a solid plus-7 rating. His efforts helped Canada secure a gold medal against Sweden.

What makes Smith such an exciting prospect isn’t just his point production—it’s his control over the flow of the game. His poise with the puck and ability to break it out make him a defenseman coaches trust.

He would fit nicely into Columbus’ system, potentially developing within the organization before making the jump to the NHL. However, it’s still uncertain whether he’ll choose the NCAA route or remain in junior, as many Canadian Hockey League (CHL) players have been opting to head to college due to the name, image, and likeness benefits now available. If Smith chooses that path in a year or two, it could slightly delay his arrival in pro hockey, giving him more time to refine his game before transitioning, but this is still unknown.

20. Sascha Boumedienne – LD – Boston University (NCAA)

Sascha Boumedienne is a highly skilled offensive defenseman with strong potential to be a steal at this year’s draft. At Boston University, he played alongside standout defensemen Cole Hutson and Tom Willander, which allowed him to develop his game without immediate pressure to be a star. As he gained confidence, he became more of an impact player offensively, finishing his freshman season with three goals and 10 assists for 13 points in 40 games, along with 33 penalty minutes and a plus-8 rating.


Sascha Boumedienne, Boston University (Photo credit: Matt Woolverton)

While he didn’t emerge as a dominant NCAA defenseman right away, his skill set suggests he has the potential to grow into one of college hockey’s top blueliners next season, and maybe even an everyday NHLer down the road.

Boumedienne’s offensive instincts were on full display internationally for Sweden’s U18 team at the World Junior Championship, where he was second in tournament scoring with 14 points, putting up one goal and 13 assists in seven games. His strong play helped Sweden reach the gold medal game, where they ultimately fell to Canada, earning a silver medal. Across 15 total international junior games, he recorded two goals and 15 assists for 17 points, the most ever by a single defenseman at the U18 Worlds.

“He fired quickly off the rush after gaining the middle, evaded pressure, and supported plays deep in the offensive zone. Playing a physical brand of defence, he controlled the front of the net. He also got beat wide and made some shaky plays at the point. His projection continues to look similar as in college. A potential No. 4, Boumedienne needs to solidify his habits, develop his mobility, and settle into a more defensively-oriented game with some puck-moving elements.”

– David St. Louis, Elite Prospects (from ‘April 26th, 2025 – USA U18 vs. Sweden U18,’ Elite Prospects – 4/28/25)

A big reason Boumedienne stands out among other defensemen in the draft is his experience in the Hockey East, widely known for its tough, physical, and structured style of play. The CHL is often more offense-driven, with high-scoring games and looser defensive systems, while NCAA hockey forces players to battle harder for space, play within tighter defensive structures, and face stronger checking than they would in the CHL, giving them an advantage at the next level.

Boumedienne also has ties to Columbus, having played for the Ohio Blue Jackets 16U AAA program in 2021-22 and 2022-23, where he built his offensive reputation. During his 2022-23 season, he posted 11 goals and 31 assists for 42 points in 49 games, proving he could drive play and contribute offensively. His development through the Columbus youth system makes him an interesting prospect for the organization, as he already has familiarity being in Columbus.

Given his mix of offensive upside and experience at higher levels, I would take him over other defensemen ranked ahead, despite his projection as a late first/early second rounder. His time in NCAA’s Hockey East and the United States Hockey League has prepared him for a more structured, physical game, making him more NHL-ready than some CHL players who put up higher point totals but don’t face the same level of defensive pressure. If Columbus selects him at 20th overall, they’ll be betting on his continued growth, particularly his ability to control the puck and move play out of the defensive zone.

The NHL Combine in Buffalo in early June will provide more insight into which prospects Columbus is seriously considering. While a trade remains a real possibility, if they do end up holding onto both picks, these two names could be solid choices to add to the defensive core.

This article first appeared on The Hockey Writers and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

TODAY'S BEST

Rangers sign veteran winger to PTO
NHL

Rangers sign veteran winger to PTO

In an effort to extend his NHL career, veteran winger Conor Sheary has agreed to a professional tryout (PTO) with the New York Rangers, per the NY Post’s Mollie Walker. Sheary has played in 593 games throughout his 10-year career, posting 124 goals and 267 points. He has also shown an ability to elevate his game in big moments during the playoffs, as evidenced by his contributions to the Pittsburgh Penguins’ back-to-back Stanley Cup wins early in his career, when he often played a key role alongside Sidney Crosby. Notably, some of his best professional seasons came in Pittsburgh under head coach Mike Sullivan. After signing a five-year deal in May to lead the Rangers, Sullivan is bringing in a familiar face as he looks to implement a new game plan in New York. However, Sheary has struggled in recent years. After producing just 15 points in 57 games with the Tampa Bay Lightning during the 2023-24 season—his lowest output since his rookie year—he dressed in only five games last season with the team. He spent the majority of his year with Tampa’s AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch, where he produced 20 goals and 61 points in 59 games. Sheary, 33, will now look to rejuvenate his career with the Rangers, a team in the midst of transition. Beyond the obvious changes that come with a new head coach, the team has also seen longtime staples Chris Kreider and K’Andre Miller depart, while adding forward Taylor Raddysh and prospect Carey Terrance. While PTOs are anything but guaranteed, Sheary’s history of producing quality offense, combined with his relationship with Sullivan, should give him a strong chance to make the opening night roster.

Browns make curious decision with rookie QB Shedeur Sanders
NFL

Browns make curious decision with rookie QB Shedeur Sanders

The Cleveland Browns are giving Shedeur Sanders special treatment in training camp, but it's not the type of favoritism the fifth-round pick would necessarily want. Per Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN, Sanders is the only Browns quarterback who has not been taking reps with the first-team offense during OTAs or the first two practices of training camp. Former Pittsburgh Steelers first-round pick Kenny Pickett, veteran Joe Flacco and rookie Dillon Gabriel have all split reps with the first team. Despite being asked to throw passes to members of the equipment staff amid a shortage of professional pass-catchers for a four-quarterback roster, Sanders said he's thankful for the opportunity to show the Browns coaching staff his talents. "I feel like that it's not in my control, so I'm not going to think about that or even have that in my thought process of why it is," Sanders said to a question as to why he's not getting first-team reps. "There's a lot of people who want to have the opportunity to be at this level, and I'm here and I'm thankful to have the opportunity. So, whenever that is, that is." Sanders, 23, believes that he can contribute more to the Browns than what the coaching staff is asking of him. "It doesn't make me feel down or left out because I know who I am as a person," Sanders said. "I know who I am as an individual and I know what I could bring to this team. So, I can never feel less than any circumstance." The Browns selected Sanders with the No. 144 pick in April's draft. As a player whom many draft analysts thought was a first-round talent, Cleveland took what could be the steal of the draft in the fifth round. It's curious why the Browns aren't giving Sanders a shot with the first team early in training camp before the quarterback race becomes more serious. Cleveland should absolutely see what Sanders has to offer this summer. Flacco, 40, isn't a long-term solution at the position. Pickett failed in Pittsburgh. The Browns need to gauge what rookies Gabriel and Sanders can do with the first team. Having Sanders throw balls to the equipment staff is a waste of everyone's time. But then again, Cleveland has wasted plenty of quarterbacks.

All signs point to Yankees moving on from Anthony Volpe
MLB

All signs point to Yankees moving on from Anthony Volpe

With the trade for Ryan McMahon now complete, it would seem New York Yankees’ general manager Brian Cashman has fulfilled one of his three priorities. He can now cross third base off the list, which leaves the rotation and bullpen as his remaining priorities. However, according to one Yankees writer, Cashman might not be done with the infield. Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reported this after the McMahon trade: “The Yankees may not be done adding to their infield. A team source said the Yankees are interested in adding a right-handed hitter who could play the infield.” Kirschner adds that the Yankees have had interest in Willi Castro and Amed Rosario. But the question now is, how would another player fit in the Yankees’ infield? Needless to say, Paul Goldschmidt and Jazz Chisholm Jr. aren’t going anywhere, and McMahon is just getting there. That leaves the low-hanging fruit. Anthony Volpe has been at the center of controversy all this season. His 13 errors, many of which had come at make-or-break moments, amount to the second-highest total in the game. In addition, his bat has not been able to compensate, hitting .214/.286/.407 with 14 home runs. There was always a lot to like about Volpe. He won a Gold Glove in his rookie year, his power has always been promising and his speed is nothing to scoff at. Unfortunately, his glove has become a liability and his speed has also produced very few results. Volpe has swiped just 10 bags in 17 attempts. His power is the one thing that still has some upside, but it hasn’t been enough to justify a spot in the lineup. Both Castro and Rosario have been far more productive at the plate this season than Volpe. Kirschner doesn’t clarify how serious the Yankees are in their pursuit of another infielder, but that most likely isn’t available information. Having just turned 24, Volpe could still become the type of player that was expected from him as a top prospect. However, his recent performance has weighed heavily on his team’s efforts and it may be buying him a ticket out of the Bronx — or at least a spot on the bench.

WWE Unveils Complete Match Schedule for SummerSlam 2025 over Both nights
Wrestling

WWE Unveils Complete Match Schedule for SummerSlam 2025 over Both nights

As this week’s SmackDown is in the rearview mirror now, there’s barely any time left for SummerSlam. It will take place at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on August 2nd and 3rd. Owing to its first-ever two-night format, WWE has loaded up the card for ‘The Biggest Party of the Summer’. The company has unveiled the match schedule to go down on Saturday and Sunday. The Saturday listing includes Gunther defending his World Heavyweight title against CM Punk. Competing for the first time since WrestleMania 41, Roman Reigns will join forces with Jey Uso against Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed. In yet another tag team showdown slated for Saturday, Randy Orton and Grammy-winning artist Jelly Roll will square off against Drew McIntyre and Logan Paul. Also, Raquel Rodriguez Roxanne Perez will defend their women’s tag team titles against Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss. Tiffany Stratton is slated for her women’s title defense against Jade Cargill, along with Sami Zayn‘s trilogy-completing affair with Karrion Kross on night one. Speaking of what’s in store for Sunday, John Cena vs. Cody Rhodes 2 will be the highlight of that night. ‘The Cenation Leader’ will be tested in a street fight. Dominik Mysterio‘s Intercontinental title defense against AJ Styles and Solo Sikoa‘s US title defense against Jacob Fatu inside a steel cage are also set to go down on night two of SummerSlam. Becky Lynch will once again take on Lyra Valkyria in a No-Holds-Barred showdown for the women’s IC title belt. Moreover, Naomi will defend her women’s world title in a mouth-watering triple threat clash against Iyo Sky and Rhea Ripley. Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match made official for SummerSlam The aforementioned match card for SummerSlam currently stands at 11 matches distributed over two nights. However, the fans can expect a few more additions in the meantime. On this week’s SmackDown, Andrade and Rey Fenix‘s tag team title pursuit against Dexter Lumis and Joe Gacy of the Wyatt Sicks ended in heartbreak when Nikki Cross caused a disqualification. It ensued a spree of run-ins from the entire SmackDown tag team division with Fraxiom, Motor City Machine Guns, The Street Profits, and #DIY swinging at one another. General Manager Nick Aldis’s attempt to restore order went down in flames, and he eventually proceeded to make a massive announcement. Aldis informed that the Wyatts will defend their tag team gold against five other teams, as mentioned above, in a Six-Pack TLC match at SummerSlam. The fans in attendance went bonkers as soon as they heard it, and the involved teams couldn’t help but continue mauling each other. They’ll collide next weekend on the 25-year anniversary of the inaugural TLC match. It unfolded at SummerSlam 2000 with The Hardy Boyz, The Dudley Boyz, and Edge Christian setting the bar for their future generations to top. Does the current SmackDown tag division have what it takes to reset the bar? Time will tell. Rumor killer on The Rock’s current status for SummerSlam It’s clear as daylight that WWE is hellbent on making its debut two-night SummerSlam edition a roaring success. With almost every other match on the card given a stipulation to work with, the fans are excited for how they’d actually pan out. Also, some recent steam around The Rock‘s status for the show was also making the rounds on the internet. However, a report from BodySlam has debunked it by stating there’s no internal indication within WWE about The Final Boss’s comeback anytime soon. He skipped WrestleMania 41, and it caused Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena to end with Travis Scott‘s trickery written all over it. The rapper has reportedly had a major falling out with WWE, as per the latest reports. The core wrestling audience was berserk at his involvement in the Cena/Rhodes story. But Scott doesn’t seem likely to be inserted back, and neither does The Rock. The latter opted out of such a major angle after orchestrating it at the Elimination Chamber. It’s unknown if he’ll ever return to follow up on that.