Top prospects for Columbus Blue Jackets

NHL.com is providing in-depth prospect analysis for each of its 32 teams from Aug. 8-Sept. 8. Today, the top five prospects for the Columbus Blue Jackets, according to NHL.com.

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1. Kent Johnson, F

How acquired: Selected with No. 5 pick in 2021 NHL Draft
2021-22 season: Columbus (NHL) 9 GP, 0-3-3; Michigan (NCAA) 32 GP, 8-29-37
Johnson has accomplished a lot for a 19 year old, and more is expected from him soon at the NHL level. Representing Canada this past season, he scored in the Olympics and the IIHF World Championships.
In his short stint with the Blue Jackets after completing his sophomore season at Michigan, Johnson (6-foot-1, 167 pounds) showed slick passing and an ability to create chances from out of nowhere.
What he needs is time to develop his body for the rigors of the NHL, but he has an excellent chance to make the roster out of training camp.
"I've been in the gym, just working on strength and explosiveness," Johnson said during Blue Jackets development camp in July. "I'm trying to hone in on my one-timer a lot."
His ability to play center or wing is a bonus.
Projected NHL arrival: This season

2. Kirill Marchenko, F

How acquired: Selected with No. 49 pick in 2018 NHL Draft
2021-22 season: St. Petersburg (KHL) 39 GP, 12-8-20; SKA-Neva (VHL) 2 GP, 1-2-3
The anticipation for the arrival of Marchenko (6-3, 187) has been building for four years. Even though he turned 22 on July 21, he played parts of the past four seasons in the Kontinental Hockey League.
Marchenko, who can play either wing, speaks English well, so communication will not be problem for his first foray to North America.
"He's going to get a new opportunity here to play in the best league in the world," Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said. "We're excited to have him, and we'll just go from there step by step. He's going to be a good addition for us."
Projected NHL arrival: This season

3. David Jiricek, D

How acquired: Selected with No. 6 pick in 2022 NHL Draft
2021-22 season: HC Plzen (Czechia) 29 GP, 5-6-11
Big things are expected from the 18-year-old, who eventually could pair with Zach Werenski. Jiricek (6-3, 189) sustained a knee injury during World Juniors in December but played in the World Championships in May and the rescheduled World Juniors this month.
"It's pretty much unprecedented what he's done at his age in the Czech league," Kekalainen said, "and playing in the men's world championships, [he] played good."
If Jiricek does not return to HC Plzen he could start the season in the American Hockey League for Cleveland, or Spokane of the Western Hockey League, but he is on the verge of being a fixture for the Blue Jackets.
Projected NHL arrival: Next season

4. Denton Mateychuk, D

How acquired: Selected with No. 12 pick in 2022 draft
2021-22 season: Moose Jaw (WHL) 65 GP, 13-51-64

Mateychuk (5-11, 188) is perfect for a system that wants the defensemen to be active in the offensive zone, and he is an excellent skater who patterns his game after Kris Letang, Charlie McAvoy and Cale Makar.
There will be questions about his size, but having been drafted July 7, five days before his 18th birthday, he will fill out even more this season for Moose Jaw.
"I think that some people see him, maybe, as a small defenseman, we don't at all," Kekalainen said. "He's thick, he's strong, he's competitive. He's been dominant in games we've watched."
Projected NHL arrival: 2024-25

5. Corson Ceulemans, D

How acquired: Selected with No. 25 pick in 2021 draft
2021-22 season: Wisconsin (NCAA) 34 GP, 7-15-22
The 19-year-old will return to Wisconsin for a second season but physically (6-2, 198) is close to being ready for the NHL. He has a good shot that helped him lead his school in assists and points while playing against opponents' top lines.
"We've seen a lot of progress in his game and are excited what he can bring to the organization," Blue Jackets coach Brad Larsen said.
Projected NHL arrival: Next season