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The Columbus Blue Jackets may not open training camp for another couple weeks, but many of their prospects in junior are already playing competitive hockey.

Anyone with a clue about prospects will tell you that the Blue Jackets have a very good prospect system, and that's shining through early on in preseason.

Some notes:

- Forward Oliver Bjorkstrand is off to a hot start for Portland, as he scored a goal and added two assists in a 4-2 Portland win over Everett. Bjorkstrand broke out in a huge way last season and became an elite offensive producer, as he netted 50 goals and tallied 109 in 69 games with Portland. His center Nic Petan (Jets), who recorded 113 points last year, will be back with Portland as well, so it's fair to expect another 100+ point campaign this season before turning pro in 2015-16.

- Defense prospect Blake Siebenaler, who is a personal favorite of mine, scored two goals for Niagara in a 7-1 win. He had a very good rookie campaign in the OHL last season, and the team is banking on him taking another big step forward this year. He'll log big minutes for what should be a solid IceDogs team.

- After finishing out a three-year contract in Sweden, 2013 6th round pick Markus Soberg decided to join the Windsor Spitfires, and so far he's causing quite a stir. Those who cover the team have nothing but good things to say about his play in camp and early in preseason, and there's reason to believe he's in line for a big rookie season in the OHL. He'll certainly get every opportunity to produce, according to GM Warren Rychel and coach Bob Boughner.

Via the WindsorStar: “He’s very intelligent and driven,” Rychel said. “He relies on speed and smarts and he’s a right shot, which we needed desperately.”

Boughner is already mentally assembling line combinations for the regular season, picturing Soberg playing a significant role.

“He’s going to be grouped in that top six and he’s going to get an opportunity on the power play, so I expect him to make an immediate impact, along with a guy like Luke Kirwan,” Boughner said.

As someone who scouts OHL, I'll definitely be keeping my eye on him this season.

- Speaking of Soberg, he and Sonny Milano both wore an 'A' on their jerseys for Windsor and Plymouth respectively. It's only preseason, but interesting that both teams seem keen on having their new faces take on leadership roles.

Jackets posts

On Johansen, Horton and shooting percentages

Sonny Milano, Blue Jackets haven't talked contract

Columbus Blue Jackets 5 vs 5 Goals Data: Forwards

Columbus Blue Jackets 5 vs 5 Goals Data: Defense

Devils posts

On Tomas Kaberle

On the Devils inviting Scott Gomez to camp

Waiting On Gelinas

On the NHL's best forward/defense duos

On the NHL's best forward duos

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