Thanks to the 79 readers who submitted ballots in this year’s ranking of Columbus Blue Jackets players under the age of 25. Stay tuned over the next six weeks as we count down the top 25.
#17 – Gavin Brindley
Voting
17th out of 45 eligible players
Writer Rank: 17th
Reader Rank: 17th
Highest Placement: 9th (1 vote)
Most Common Placement: 17th (12 votes)
2022 Rank: N/A
Biography
Birthdate: October 5th, 2004
Birthplace: Estero, Florida
Height: 5’9″
Weight: 168 lbs
Position: Right Wing
Shoots: Right
Acquired: 2023 2nd round pick, #34 overall
2022-23 Season
After swiping superstar-in-the making Adam Fantilli out of the University of Michigan 3rd overall, Jarmo Kekalainen got his partner in crime with the second round pick. Gavin Brindley got 12 goals and 38 points in 41 games for the Wolverines, as well as four points in seven games at the World Juniors. While small in stature, he makes up for it in every other facet of his game. Our own draft preview called him “Nick Blankenburg, but a forward.” I’m down for that!
2023-24 Outlook
Brindley will return to Michigan for his sophomore season, playing a much larger role and likely making a run for a national title. He could sign his ELC and play with the Jackets towards the end of the season, though he’d likely report to AHL Cleveland first, a-la Zach Werenski.
Highlights