Back to back like were Jordan ’96, ’97 whoa!! Ok I'm not a rapper, but the Columbus Blue Jackets wrapped up the Traverse City Prospect tournament winning the Championship over the host Red Wings 5-2. The Blue Jackets prospects repeat as champions, and have now won the newly named Matthew Wuest Memorial Cup four times.
The games were unable to be streamed so I couldn’t watch them. However many people made the trip down and I have provided some of the highlights below.
The veterans notably TJ Tynan and Michael Paliotta both had great tournaments. Tynan was second on the team in points with seven and wore the C. Paliotta had three points but tied for the team lead in shots with 13. As two of the older players at the tournament it’s expected for them to dominate like they did. I expect both to push for NHL time at some point next season.
Tynan snipe - my gracious. #CBJ lead 1-0
— Alison (@AlisonL) September 11, 2015Paliotta had a nice showing for Columbus. Big defenseman who made plays at both ends.
— Corey Pronman (@coreypronman) September 11, 2015I was expecting Sonny Milano to do more at this tournament. Part of the problem was that he was up and down the lineup. I think the Blue Jackets wanted to see a few of the new players, as they will have plenty of time to see Milano in the AHL. It sounds like Milano had a great off-season which is a really good sign.
Sonnny Milano with the assist. Milano has been strong on the forecheck all night. His off-season work is showing benefits.
— Alison (@AlisonL) September 13, 2015Oliver Bjorkstrand was the star of this tournament. He led the team with four goals, eight points and tied for the lead with 13 shots. He’s continued his strong play from the WHL and looks to have a real shot at cracking the opening night roster.
Bjorkstrand. Goal. It was PRETTY (nice pass from Kolesar) 6-4 in Traverse.
— Alison (@AlisonL) September 13, 2015Bjorkstrand just had the filthiest goal I may have ever seen. 7-5 #CBJ
— Alison (@AlisonL) September 13, 2015
I can only go back to 07 but looks like Oliver Bjorkstrand has tied Matt Calvert for most points in a tournament for the #CBJ
— CBJ Prospects (@CBJProspects) September 14, 2015Kerby Rychel had a great tournament as well. He had five points and was a real physical force from what I read. In the final he got into it with former teammate Tyler Bertuzzi who was trying to start something after the game had ended. Rychel is at his best when he plays that sort of edge, if he brings that energy and skill level to camp he's another guy with a real shot at making the big club.
As far as the invites went only Dante Salituro saw more than one game. Brandon Crawley, and Christian Isackson, were there as backups and only played in the game against the Rangers as Columbus had already locked up first place. Salituro played in the second and final game, scoring a goal and an assist. Regardless of how he played here I still think he has earned himself a contract with his play in the OHL.
Columbus will look to become just the second team after St. Louis from 99-01 to win three straight titles next year.
Up next for these prospects is main camp, which begins on September 17th, 21 of the 24 players who partook here have been invited.
You can follow me on Twitter @PaulBerthelot