Thank you to the 70 readers who voted in this year’s countdown of the 25 best players in the Columbus Blue Jackets system under the age of 25. Today we continue with #20:

#20 Corson Ceulemans

Voting

20th of 40
Total Points: 1504
Average Placement: 21.183
Last Year: 16th (-4 difference)

Biography

Birthdate: May 5, 2003
Birthplace: Regina, Saskatchewan
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 198 lbs
Position: Defenseman
Shoots: Right
Acquired: Drafted in the first round (25th overall) by Columbus in 2021

2024-25 Season

It was an underwhelming year for Ceulemans in his second full season in Cleveland. After recording 3/9/12 in 47 games as a rookie, he scored just 2/5/7 in only 33 games last season. His +/- improved from -11 to +1 so that’s some progress, but the inability to stay on the ice is a concern. He hasn’t been able to play in the playoffs in either of the past two seasons, either.

2025-26 Season

Ceulemans will once again return to the Monsters, and this will be the final year of his entry level contract. He’s still just 22, which isn’t that old for a defender, but he needs to prove he can play as a top pair guy in the AHL if he expects a second contract with this organization. He can be a physical player but it sounds like his hockey IQ hasn’t developed as one would have hoped.