The Columbus Blue Jackets are heading into the 2025-26 season with a prospect pool that is considered one of the most promising in the NHL. Several young players are poised to make an impact, and here are three breakout candidates to watch:
1. Denton Mateychuk (D)
Denton Mateychuk is a mobile defenseman with upside at both ends of the ice. Last season, he produced at nearly a point-per-game pace in the AHL (0.93) and had an encouraging 45-game stint with the Blue Jackets as a 20-year-old, notching 4 goals and 9 assists. Mateychuk is in line for a bigger role in 2025–26 and can play on either the left or right side, potentially solidifying his place in the top four.
2. Cayden Lindstrom (F)
Cayden Lindstrom, selected with the No. 4 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, is a highly touted prospect. Lindstrom missed the majority of the 2024-25 season due to a back injury, but returned for the playoffs. After the season, he committed to Michigan State for the 2025–26 season. Lindstrom has the potential to develop into a key player for the Blue Jackets.
3. Jet Greaves (G)
Jet Greaves has exceeded expectations since being signed as an undrafted player in 2022. After a strong season in the AHL with the Cleveland Monsters, Greaves earned a full-time NHL roster spot for the 2025-26 season. In 11 NHL games last season, he posted a .938 save percentage and a 1.91 goals-against average, winning his final six games and earning NHL's First Star of the Week honors. Greaves is expected to compete with Elvis Merzlikins for playing time, and if he continues his strong play, he could become the team's number one goalie. Some have even predicted that Greaves will not only become the #1 goalie in Columbus but will be a top 10 goalie statistically in the NHL.
Other potential breakout candidates include Jackson Smith (D), Luca Del Bel Belluz (F), and Jordan Dumais (F). Goaltender Pyotr Andreyanov is also considered a top prospect, but he is signed to remain in Russia for the next five seasons. Kirill Marchenko is also a player to watch.
