Columbus Blue Jackets: 2 Prospects Who Should Make The Team Next Season

Having a strong prospect pool is such an important thing, as it helps determine the future success of all NHL franchises. Although it is always nice to be competitive now, things changes rapidly and it truly is a young man's league. Therefore, it feels right to start a 32-team segment covering them. During it, we will be looking at two prospects from every NHL franchise who could become NHLers next season.

With this article, we will be looking at the Columbus Blue Jackets. Columbus had a very busy off-season that saw them trade away top-pair defenseman, Seth Jones. After all of the other losses they have had since last season, it is rather apparent that they will be going through a rebuild. These two specific prospects have NHL experience, but have yet to stay on the team for an entire season. This should be the year that this finally changes. Prospects such as Kent Johnson, Kirill Marchenko and Cole Sillinger will all likely arrive later down the road.

Liam Foudy C: Liam Foudy suited up in 24 games this past season and had four assists. It certainly was not the type of campaign that Columbus was hoping for, as he was not much of an offensive threat. Keep in mind, he had just played 10 postseason games with them the year before. He spent 12 games with the Cleveland Monsters this season as well and found his form. In them, he scored three goals and had 16 points. With the team making big changes and embracing their rebuild, Foudy should be given far more time in the NHL this season. He should finally graduate from prospect status because of this.

Andrew Peeke D: With the departures of both Jones and David Savard, the Blue Jackets will surely be playing Andrew Peeke on a regular basis moving forward. Over the last two seasons, Peeke has played a total of 33 games with the NHL squad. In them, he had a goal and six points. The 23-year-old has also spent time with the Cleveland Monsters in each season, too. It seems that the 23-year-old will become a regular NHLer moving forward. In 11 games this season with Columbus, he had three assists.