The Del Bel Belluz version of the many Lucas that exist inside the Blue Jackets organization continues to show steady progression. He got called up to Columbus on January 9th after being among the AHL league leaders in both goals and points. He immediately made an impact.
He bounced around a bit in the lineup, but by far the most impactful line combination was the initials line of JvR-KJ-LDBB. They were on the ice for 61:55 at even strength and accounted for 10 goals for and 4 against.
Perhaps the most impressive statistic of LDBB’s short career is that he has zero penalty minutes in 16 games played. He plays hard, battles in the corner, and does his best to play a two-way game. He does all of that responsibly.
It’s worth noting that despite his poor possession numbers, which isn’t unexpected for someone with less than 20 games of experience, he ended the season at +2 at even strength.
2024-25 Stats
Games: 15
Goals: 2
Assists: 6
Points: 8
Plus/Minus: +2
PIM: 0
5v5 Corsi %: 39.45
5v5 Fenwick %: 41.89
5v5 O-Zone Start %: 56.14
Contract
Luca has two more years left on his ELC. He will be an RFA in the summer of 2027.
High Point
In a three-game stretch in January, he had 1-3-4 with an average ice time of 14:43. These were games 8, 9, and 10 of his NHL career. In that stretch was the Fantilli hat-trick game in Toronto. Both the Fantilli and Del Bel Belluz families were in attendance, leading to what surely will be a picture for the ages for both families.
It was hectic after #CBJ 5-1 win over #LeafsForever in Toronto on Wednesday.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) January 23, 2025
But Adam and Giuliano Fantilli, left, and Luca and Angelo Del Bel Belluz, took a moment to capture it. The families have been close since the kids were young.
Memories of a lifetime for sons of Ontario. pic.twitter.com/wySQU2HQyw
Low Point
I’m not sure what to put here. He had ups and downs, but overall, he played above expectations. He looked over his head at times, but that’s to be expected.
Report Card
B+
He did more than he was asked to do when called up. He already has 3-6-9 in 16 games played at the NHL level despite still being a very green player. I suspect we may see more of Luca in Columbus next season, and if not, continuing to grow in the AHL won’t be a bad thing. The Blue Jackets have a very good prospect in LDBB.