After drafting Taylor Hall first overall, the Jackets had a lot of work to do throughout the rest of the draft to add players for the rebuild. The David Backes trade payed off when the Jackets were able to select silky smooth Russian Alexander Burmistrov 13th overall. The Jackets GM was very happy that Burmistrov was available at 13th overall. Tabbed as "Datsyuk-Lite" by The Hockey News, Columbus is not in any rush to throw this guy into the lineup, but rather will likely give him spot duty and let him develop into the two-way player that he is projected to be. The Jackets are known for shying away from Russians, but character is not an issue with this kid, as his ultimate dream is to play in the AHL and not flee back to Russia to play in the KHL.
Columbus proceeded to add another very solid young player when they selected Luke Adam 20th overall. Adam was a key contributer to team Canada's World Junior Championship roster last year in Saskatoon. Adam, along with Burmistrov, are both centremen so like Burmistrov, Adam most likely won't see much ice time this year with the Jackets. This is another player the Jackets were targeting going into the entry draft, and were quite surprised that he fell to them at 20th. He is a big body who isn't afraid to go to the dirty areas, as he scored 49 goals in 56 games during his last year of junior hockey. Eventually the Jackets hope Adam can transition to the wing and become a top six forward to help out Taylor Hall and Mikko Koivu with scoring.
With their fourth pick in the first round of the entry draft, Columbus selected Jeff Petry, out of MSU 28th overall. He is a big defenceman with a very strong stride who can skate like the wind, and isn't afraid to throw the body. We can assume that Petry was picked here because of the familiarity with the Jackets General Manager. This is yet another draft pick that most likely won't see much time in the AHL this year, as like most college defenceman, will need some time to develop before he can step into a top six role.
With the fourth pick in the second round, the Jackets stayed true to form and took bruiser Matt Martin. This is the type of player GM Springinotic has been known to acquire and employ without question. He is looking for Martin to step straight into the lineup and play on the third line with Ryan O'Reilly and Derek Dorsett, so look to them to cause some havoc. Martin's goal this year is to, "lead the AHL in hits", and don't be surprised if he edges out Cal Clutterbuck in that category as he will be given plenty of ice time to bang some bodies around. Martin just adds to the toughness that is already in the CBJ lineup (Dorsett, Simmonds, Konopka, Shelley, Boll, and Mark Stuart).
With their last pick of the entry draft the Jackets opted to add another goaltender, and selected Kevin Poulin to backup Marc-Andre Fleury.
With their fourth pick in the first round of the entry draft, Columbus selected Jeff Petry, out of MSU 28th overall. He is a big defenceman with a very strong stride who can skate like the wind, and isn't afraid to throw the body. We can assume that Petry was picked here because of the familiarity with the Jackets General Manager. This is yet another draft pick that most likely won't see much time in the AHL this year, as like most college defenceman, will need some time to develop before he can step into a top six role.
Some good picks, Brett. Was a bit surprised to see you trade Backes for (as it turned out) Burmistrov. But since you're happy to have gotten your man, I'm sure you're not complaining ;)
ReplyDeleteAdam and Petry should be good picks for you down the road. And fun that you mention Clutterbuck and Martin, looking forward to that battle. Just too bad we won't play each other all that often to see them match up in games as well.