The Columbus Blue Jackets' 2025 Development Camp concluded on July 5th, offering a glimpse into the future of the franchise. The camp, held at the OhioHealth Ice Haus, featured a mix of recent draft picks and free agent invitees, all vying to make a positive impression on the Blue Jackets' management.

A primary focus was on the team's recent draft selections. This included the entire 2024 and 2025 draft classes. Cayden Lindstrom, the fourth overall pick from the 2024 NHL Draft, headlined the camp. Lindstrom's participation was highly anticipated, especially after he missed most of the previous season due to a back injury. He was able to play at the end of the season with the Medicine Hat Tigers in the WHL playoffs and during their Memorial Cup run. He is committed to Michigan State University for the upcoming season.

The Blue Jackets' two 2025 first-round picks, Jackson Smith (14th overall) and Pyotr Andreyanov (20th overall), also garnered significant attention. Smith, a defenseman committed to Penn State University, is known for his elite transition game and smart decision-making. Andreyanov's attendance at the development camp was notable, considering he is under contract in Russia for several more seasons. Many are eager to see him play and prove his worth.

Several other prospects with potential to make the main roster in the coming seasons were also present, including forwards Luca Pinelli, William Whitelaw, and Oiva Keskinen, as well as goaltender Melvin Strahl. Pinelli, who had a strong season in the OHL and joined the Cleveland Monsters for the AHL playoffs, is expected to begin the 2025-26 season with the Monsters.

Pano Fimis, a free agent invitee, attended the development camp for the second consecutive year. Fimis had earned an invite to the team's main training camp last year and impressed many. His performance this summer could potentially earn him an entry-level contract with the Blue Jackets.

The development camp featured on-ice sessions led by development coaches Tommy Cross and Brad Thiessen, goaltending coach Niklas Backstrom, and Cleveland Monsters strength and conditioning coach Ben Eaves. Anthony and Matt Donskov from Donskov Hockey Development, and University of Delaware Assistant Coach Melissa Samoskevich served as guest coaches. The camp culminated in a Prospect Game on July 5th.