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Blue Jackets Win One of Three Lotteries Will Select 3rd in 2016 Draft |
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The Blue Jackets came into the day having never won an NHL lottery. They were 0 for 12 in their career. That all changed tonight as the Blue Jackets finally received some luck, winning the right to select third overall in the 2016 draft.
No they didn’t win first overall but this has a chance to go down as one of the best things to happen to this franchise. This draft has three players who John Davidson described as “franchise changing:” Auston Matthews, Patrik Laine and Jesse Puljujarvi. As it currently shakes out, it looks like the Jackets will be selecting Puljujarvi come June.
Puljujarvi is a 6’3 right winger. He’s highly skilled and can absolutely fly up and down the ice. He's spent the past two seasons playing professionally in Finland’s top league the Liiga. He had 28 points in 50 games this season second to only Laine among U-18 players. All time Puljujarvi’s 28 points ranked seventh among U-18 players, ahead of players like Teuvo Teravainen and Kasperi Kapanen.
He has the potential to be an elite top line power winger. He won’t be that right away of course but he should play in the NHL next season. He already has two seasons of professional hockey under his belt and his combination of size and speed will make the transition easier for him.
A lot can happen between now and June but let’s take some time and enjoy this moment. Sure the season didn’t go as planned but all that suffering was rewarded tonight. Regardless of who the Jackets wind up picking they are going to get a franchise alerting player. June can’t come soon enough.
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@PaulBerthelot
Columbus Blue Jackets Blogger • 
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