It’s finally upon us, the unofficial start to the 2023-24 season. The annual Traverse City NHL Prospect Tournament kicks off today in Traverse City, Michigan, traditionally a week before training camp opens. Every year, a group of Blue Jackets prospects travel north to take on prospects of other NHL teams – this years participants also include the Stars, Maple Leafs, and the hosting Red Wings. The Jackets have won the tournament five times and will certainly be the favorites this year. Why? Because the Columbus prospect team is loaded.
Roster
The roster is highlighted by several high end prospects and possible NHL players Fantilli, Voronkov, Dumais, Jiricek, Mateychuk, and Svozil. Personally, I’m not sure how any other team manages to beat this squad, which could probably win a good number of games in the AHL. Here is how the group skated on Wednesday before boarding the bus:
| Voronkov | Fantilli | Pyyhtia |
| Malatesta | McKown | Dumais |
| Pinelli | Del Bel Belluz | Pearson** |
| Rysavy | Peddle | Butler |
| McGurn* | Delic* | Weisblatt* |
| Mateychuk | Knazko |
| Kinniburgh* | Jiricek |
| Svozil | Ceulemans |
| Roger* | DeAngelis* |
| Lalonde |
| Cajan** |
* Invite
** AHL contract
Click here for the full roster, including jersey numbers and stats.
Schedule
All games will be streamed online at bluejackets.com.
Thursday, Sept. 14 – vs. Toronto 3:30 pm ET
Saturday, Sept. 16 – at Detroit 3:30 pm ET
Sunday, Sept. 17 – vs. Dallas 11:00 am ET
Open Thread
This will also serve as the open thread for the tournament. If you catch the games live, hang out with us here. If you miss the games, check back here for reactions in the comments.
Enjoy your first taste of hockey this season!