The 2025 NHL Draft is fast approaching, and while the Columbus Blue Jackets may not have a top-10 pick this year, don’t sleep on what they can do in the middle rounds. With selections at 77th and 109th overall, GM Don Waddell and the front office have a golden opportunity to steal serious value on Day 2 of the draft.
Let’s dive into who the Blue Jackets should be eyeing — and why these picks could quietly shape the team’s future.
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77th Overall: F Marek Vančura – RW, HC Kometa Brno (Czechia)
At No. 77, the Jackets should zero in on Czech sniper Marek Vančura. Standing 6’1″ and already boasting a pro-level release, Vančura turned heads at the U18 Worlds with 6 goals in 7 games. He’s the kind of high-upside pick that might slip into the third round because he’s still playing in Europe — but make no mistake, he’s a potential gem.
Columbus has historically had success with international forwards (hello, Kirill Marchenko), and Vančura fits their mold: skilled, intelligent, and fearless in high-traffic areas. His shot is lethal, and with time to develop, he could become a power play weapon.
Why it makes sense: The Blue Jackets need more goal-scorers in the pipeline, and Vančura’s toolbox screams middle-six winger with potential to rise.
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109th Overall: D Hunter Sinclair – RD, London Knights (OHL)
Defense wins championships, and Hunter Sinclair could be a sneaky steal in the fourth round. Right-shot defensemen with Sinclair’s skating ability don’t grow on trees. He’s not flashy, but he’s rock-solid — think shutdown minutes, smart zone exits, and calm under pressure.
With the Blue Jackets already stacked with young offensive D (Jiricek, Mateychuk, Svozil), Sinclair gives them balance. He’s a coach’s dream — versatile, disciplined, and hard to play against. Plus, coming from the London Knights system, he’s used to big games and big minutes.
Why it makes sense: Columbus lacks right-handed stay-at-home blueliners in the system. Sinclair fills that void and could become a bottom-pair mainstay by 2027.
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Final Thought: Don’t Underestimate Day 2
The flashy names may go in the first round, but ask any scout — the teams that build winners are the ones who nail picks in rounds 3 and 4. The Blue Jackets have two great chances to do just that.
If they walk away with Marek Vančura and Hunter Sinclair, this draft could end up being a quiet win that pays off huge in a few years.
Stay tuned, Columbus — the future could be closer than you think