Thanks to the 74 readers who submitted ballots in this year’s ranking of Columbus Blue Jackets players and prospects under the age of 25. Over the next month, we will profile the Top 25.
#20 Mikael Pyyhtia
Voting
22nd out of 42 eligible players
Writer Rank: 17th
Reader Rank: 22nd
Highest Placement: 13th (1 vote)
Most Common Placement: 17th, 18th, & 22nd (4 votes each)
2023 Rank: Not ranked
Biography
Birthdate: December 17, 2001
Birthplace: Turku, Finland
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 154 lbs
Position: LW
Shoots: Left
Acquired: Drafted in the 4th round (114th overall) in 2020
2023-24 Season
In his first full season in North America, Pyyhtia (pronounced \PEW-tee-uh\) scored 7/21/28 in 60 games with the Cleveland Monsters, but also got an extended look late in the season with the Blue Jackets, appearing in 17 games (0 goals, 2 assists).
Despite the lack of obvious production, Pyyhtia made an impression on the coaching staff. His minutes were limited in the first chunk of games, but in the last 7 games he averaged 15:28 a night. He’s not a big scorer but he showed increasing ability in being able to do the little things right.
2024-25 Outlook
Pyyhita will return to Cleveland for the final year of his entry level contract. He makes $925,000 in the NHL but $80,000 in the AHL. There’s not a spot for him on the NHL roster currently, but he has the opportunity to earn the first call-up. Pyyhtia added 5 points in 13 games in the Calder Cup playoff run for the Monsters this year.