Five Recalled for the Columbus Blue Jackets

As we edge closer to the start of another NHL season, teams are taking stock of their rosters and ensuring they are ready for the year ahead.

The current favourite for the Stanley Cup is the Edmonton Oilers who were defeated in the final last season. The Canadian team narrowly lost out to the Florida Panthers who are the second favourite to retain their crown. One of the biggest underdog teams this season is the Columbus Blue Jackets who have been placed by bookmakers at 400/1, with only the Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks having longer odds.

These significant odds will likely attract sports bettors who like to back the underdog in the hope of winning big. Sports betting expert Matt Bastock explains that the NHL is one of the most popular sports among sports bettors, especially in Canada. Besides betting on predicted Stanley Cup winners, bettors also regularly place moneyline, puckline, total, and prop bets. (Source: https://www.techopedia.com/gambling/canada/best-betting-sites-canada). 

The Blue Jackets have recently recalled five players from AHL Cleveland in the hope of improving their Stanley Cup chances. 

Columbus Blue Jackets Season Preview

The Blue Jackets’ preseason has understandably been overshadowed by the death of winger Johnny Gaudreau at the age of just 31. Gaudreau and fellow hockey star brother Matthew were both hit and killed while cycling by an alleged drunk driver on August 29th.

Don Waddell the Blue Jackets president made it clear that whatever loss there was from a sporting point of view, it is nothing compared to the loss from a personal aspect.

Experts project a slight improvement on last season's 66 points, at 69 points. There is also a 98% probability of the team finishing in the bottom 10 and a 0% chance of reaching the playoffs, never mind winning the Stanley Cup.

Despite having the odds stacked against them, there are some positives with a young core that features three top-five selections with bright futures in Kent Johnson, Fantilli, and Cayden Lindstrom.

The team have also recalled five players from AHL Cleveland after being cut initially from the training camp.

Cole Clayton

Defenseman Cole Clayton signed for the Blue Jackets on an entry-level contract for one year. The 6ft 2" Canadian has been with the Cleveland Monsters, recording 11 goals and 35 assists in his 161 games.

Stanislav Svozil

Czech defender Stanislav Svozil is a player with great potential. At 21, he has great physicality and can target his aggression when it counts.

Luca Del Bel Belluz

20-year-old pivot Del Bel Belluz arrived in 2022 as a second-round pick and enjoyed a fruitful spell at Cleveland where he got 9 goals and 22 assists in his 58 games.

Hunter McKown

22-year-old forward Hunter McKown played 53 games in the AHL for the Cleveland Monsters, scoring 9 goals and getting 15 assists.

James Malatesta

Malatesta enjoyed game time with the Blue Jackets last season, getting 2 goals and 2 assists in 11 games. He also recorded 12 goals and 10 assists for Cleveland.

Photo by Klim Musalimov on Unsplash