EP Rinkside 2021-22 Prospect Pool Rankings: No. 16-ranked Columbus Blue Jackets

A year after ranking dead last in EliteProspects’ Prospect Pool Rankings, the Columbus Blue Jackets are on the upswing.

Some of that rise is the product of a handful of prospects exceeding our expectations. However, most of it comes from their tidy work at the 2021 NHL Draft.

As the draft dust settled, we gave Columbus an “A” for their work at the draft, and it was well-earned. They walked away with a trio of talents who received first-round grades from us, including one in the third round. In addition, they took several home-run swings on toolsy prospects.

Now, they have Kent Johnson and Cole Sillinger, a pair of unique prospects with clear paths to becoming long-term top-six forwards.

The Blue Jackets had little upside and zero depth to two top-six pieces and no fewer than 19 notable prospects in a year.