Draft Preview

With the NHL draft less than one week away, I thought it would be a good time to take a look at the likely candidates the CBJ will be looking at drafting.

For the first time in the teams history, the Columbus Blue Jackets will pick out of the top ten at number sixteen. The latest the club had ever previously drafted was eighth in '01 and '04. Here is a look at recent number sixteen picks:

2008: Joe Colborne - BOS

2007: Colton Gillies - MIN

2006: Ty Wishart - SJS

2005: Alex Bourret - ATL

2004: Petteri Nokelainen - NYI

2003: Steve Bernier - SJS

2002: Jakub Klepis - OTT

2001: R.J. Umberger - VAN

2000: Marcel Hossa - MTL

1999: David Tanabe - CAR

1998: Eric Chouinard - MTL

As you can see, the number sixteen pick has not faired well over the past ten years. The only notable name in the group is current Blue Jacket and former Buckeye R.J. Umberger. The Jackets will be looking for better fortune coming out of the spot in 2009.

The Blue Jackets have had a history of using their first round pick to select highly skilled forwards such as Rick Nash, Derrick Brassard, Jakub Voracek, and Nikita Filatov. In fact, each one of their first round picks since 2002 has been a forward. Now that the team is loaded with talented wingers, some expect the club to select a defenseman in the first round.

Possible defenders the team may have interest in include Ryan Ellis, Simon Despres, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and David Rundblad. Here is what SI and had to say about the guys:

Eyan Ellis, D, Windsor Spitfires

Some have concerns about his size (5-10, 175), others his defensive reads. But every team would love to employ Ellis and his offensive savvy on their blueline. He'll be an elite power play quarterback.

Simon Despres, D, Saint John Sea Dogs

The first overall pick in the 2007 QMJHL priority draft, Despres has seen his hype muted while playing behind a stacked blueline in Saint John. That may change as the season wears on. Scouts love his pro size (6-3, 208), skating, responsible defensive play and hints of an emerging offensive game.

David Rundblad, D, Skelleftea (Sweden)

He's struggled with the adjustment to the men's league, but showed enough in juniors to suggest that he'll be a solid top-four option. His appearance at the WJC could have a tremendous impact on his selection.

According to Hockeysfuture.com

Oliver Ekman-Larson, D (Sweden)

A late riser on draft boards, Ekman-Larsson is a dynamic, offensively-minded defenseman. Known as a mobile skater capable of crisp tape-to-tape passes, the 17-year-old also plays with maturity beyond his years.

Another option for the Jackets would be to trade the pick. Some experts predict that the Jackets will try to trade their pick for a later first round pick and an additional second round pick. We saw this two years ago when the jackets traded down to the eighth slot and still were able to get the guy they wanted, Jakub Voracek. If the team thinks they can move down and still get one of the guys they are interested in, don't be surprised to see them do so.