Blue Jackets Mock Draft 1.0: Columbus Picks 14th & 20th

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.

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.