Columbus Blue Jackets

Columbus Blue Jackets shocked onlookers by selecting Pierre-Luc Dubois with the third pick

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• published: 14 Jul 2016
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The Columbus Blue Jackets shocked onlookers by selecting Pierre-Luc Dubois with the third general pick in the 2016 NHL draft. Given his inside and out expertise, they thought of him as a superior decision over kindred prospect Jesse Puljujarvi. At 6'2″ and 201 pounds, Dubois has great size and strong hostile abilities to contend at the NHL level. Playing last season for the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, he tallied 42 objectives and 99 focuses. Notwithstanding his hostile ability, the 18-year-old Dubois additionally plays a sound, physical cautious amusement. He can skate at all three forward positions, giving the Jackets the choice to play him at focus or conservative if required. On July 1, the Blue Jackets marked Dubois to a three-year, passage level contract. He'll have a decent risk of vieing for a list detect this fall. His adaptability could give him leeway over alternate Jackets prospects. Gained from the Chicago Blackhawks last July in the Patrick Sharp exchange, defenseman Stephen Johns saw constrained normal season activity in 2015-16 with the Dallas Stars. His execution in the 2016 playoffs, be that as it may, guarantees he'll be a list general next season. Called up in March for the Stars' stretch run, Johns skated in 14 customary season amusements. That implies despite everything he'll be viewed as a new kid on the block for 2016-17. In 13 playoff diversions, the 6'3″ 225-pounder had little trouble conforming to the force of NHL postseason rivalry. Johns, 24, was an enduring entertainer in a shutdown part, driving the Stars in postseason hits with 41. In a May 2 meeting with Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News, Stars head mentor Lindy Ruff applauded the youthful blueliner's capacities. Promising youthful defensemen, for example, Esa Lindell or Julius Honka could likewise split the Stars lineup next season. Johns, notwithstanding, has as of now secured a full-time program spot. Conservative Anthony Mantha was chosen twentieth by and large by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2013 NHL draft. He saw his first NHL activity in 2015-16, scoring twice and setting up another in 10 late-season amusements. He likewise netted 45 focuses in 60 amusements with the American Hockey League's Grand Rapids Griffins. At 6'5″ and 214 pounds, the 21-year-old Mantha has amazing size and solid hostile abilities. He can fight his way through activity and has a sizzling wrist shot. He likewise moves well for a major forward. Irregularity has now and again hampered Mantha's improvement. An essence of NHL activity last season ought to give adequate inspiration to a superior exertion going ahead. The Wings are amidst transitioning toward more youthful players. They're likewise needing scoring profundity. Those variables ought to give Mantha an incredible chance to make the club full time in 2016-17. The Edmonton Oilers got fortunate in the 2016 NHL draft when the Columbus Blue Jackets chose Pierre-Luc Dubois over conservative Jesse Puljujarvi. They speedily gobbled up the 18-year-old with the fourth general determination. At 6'4″ and 203 pounds, Puljujarvi is a major bodied forward with remarkable diversion breaking capacities. He's a solid skating playmaker who utilizes his size and speed to produce quality scoring opportunities. Puljujarvi was a key variable in driving Finland to the gold award at the 2016 World Junior Championship. His 17 focuses in seven amusements drove all scorers, raised the eyebrows of NHL scouts and helped his stock among the current year's top prospects. The remaking Oilers need gifted profundity at conservative. Puljujarvi ought to procure a program recognize this fall. He could rapidly climb the profundity diagram and turn into a possibility for the 2017 Calder Memorial Trophy.