Rank #3: Blue Jackets confirm they will take a center

For some time now, we’ve suspected that Connor Bedard and Adam Fantilli would be the first two players drafted on June 28. Obviously, there’s still time for things to change, but this would be a major turnaround.

At the same time, let’s not forget what we said about Shane Wright last year…

That said, in the draft lottery, the Blue Jackets unfortunately lost the chance to draft in the top-2, dropping from second to third. It’s not ideal, of course, but there are still some good players who will be available when their turn comes.

However, in the last few hours, the team’s GM, John Davidson, has openly stated that his club will draft a center in the third spot.

There will be virtually no intrigue regarding the Blue Jackets’ pick 😲 https://t.co/JXMdpJZ6rj

– TVA Sports (@TVASports) May 13, 2023

It’s a bit rare to see a GM talk so openly about his plan, isn’t it?

In fact, it’s not necessarily a huge surprise considering that Will Smith and Leo Carlsson, both tipped to emerge in the top-5, are center players. Nevertheless, it confirms what we suspected: Matvei Michkov is not an option in Columbus.

It’s been in the air for a while, but now it’s confirmed.

Although relatively predictable, Davidson’s statement has an impact on the Tricolore. The fact that Mishkov won’t be selected third overall (and isn’t likely to emerge in the top-2) means that the Sharks will determine whether the Tricolore will have to make a decision on the young Russian forward.

If Mike Grier and the Sharks decide to take the other ignored center forward in the top-3 (be it Smith or Carlsson), the Tricolore will move up to the podium in fifth place and will have to decide whether to take a chance on Michkov. If the Sharks take him, on the other hand, Kent Hughes can simply select the remaining center.

It should also be remembered that, according to Championnat (a Russian media outlet), there’s not the slightest chance of Michkov being drafted by the CH. So, if the Sharks don’t take him, the Tricolore could well look outside the top-5.

Clearly, then, the Blue Jackets won’t make a decision for the Tricolore in the case of Michkov, they’ll take a center (who will almost certainly be Will Smith or Leo Carlsson). The question, then, is what the Sharks will do, which could have a major impact on the Habs’ future.

Breaking news

– Sad news.

– The CH’s misfortune is making many other clubs happy, including the Blue Jackets.

– Dougie Hamilton could go under the knife.

– Yanni Gourde, a player made for the playoffs.

– Things are going well for the Tigers gunner.