It’s been a while since we’ve taken a look at what’s happening outside of Columbus. Denton Mateychuk and Luca Del Bel Belluz have made their way to the big time, and both have made an impact. Who could be next?
Scott Wheeler of The Athletic recently ranked the Columbus prospect pool at number 6.
Luca Marrelli (D) – Oshawa Generals (OHL)
2024 3rd round pick
16-45-61 51 GP
2023-24 PPG: 0.85
2024-25 PPG: 1.20
Marrelli has exploded since his draft year. The RHD has quickly turned from a 3rd round pick to a notable prospect. At 6’2″ with good skating ability, the Jackets would love for Marrelli to continue his upward trajectory.
Luca Pinelli (C) – Ottawa 67’s (OHL)
2023 4th round pick
29-19-48 36GP
2023-24 PPG: 1.21
2024-25 PPG: 1.33
After a post-draft year similar to Marrelli’s, Pinelli has slowed down his growth in production. He will be eligible to play for Cleveland next season, so it will be interesting to see how the undersized forward will adjust to the pro game. Pinelli looked impressive in development camp last summer, so it wouldn’t be surprising if he continues his success.
Pinelli is currently serving a four-game suspension for a check to the head on Feb. 2nd.
Gavin Brindley (RW) – Cleveland Monsters (AHL)
2023 2nd round pick
5-9-14 27GP
2023-24 PPG: 1.33 (NCAA)
2024-25 PPG: 0.52
Brindley has had a respectable first year as a pro. As we’ve seen with LDBB, you certainly can’t put too much stock in a significant production drop in that first year. What we will be looking for is for Brindley to take on a more prominent role in year two.
Stanislav Svozil (D) – Cleveland Monsters
2021 3rd Round Pick
4-20-24 40GP
2023-24 PPG: 0.40
2024-25 PPG: 0.60
If I could pick one sneaky-good player who continues to fly under the radar, it would be Svozil. He has quietly improved on his numbers from last season, something he’s been able to do his entire career. He’s smart and a good skater, something Waddell values. I think he’ll play meaningful NHL games sooner rather than later.
Evan Gardner (G) – Saskatoon Blades (WHL)
2024 2nd round pick
.906 SV % 3.03 GAA
Gardner has taken a step back from the .927 save percentage he put up last season. He’s already played more games than he did last season, so he’s learning how to take on a bigger workload. He’ll play in the WHL for at least one more season.
Sergei Ivanov (G) – HK Sochi (KHL)
2022 5th round pick
.905 SV % 3.22 GAA
Speaking of taking a step back, Ivanov has had his worst season in quite a while. It will be interesting to see if he will decide to make the jump to North America after this season is over.
Other Notes
Jordan Dumais (RW) – Cleveland Monsters (AHL): Dumais finally made his pro debut. He has four points in four games.
Cayden Lindstrom (C) – Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL): Lindstrom continues to recover from his back injury. He has not started skating yet. It wouldn’t be surprising if he didn’t play again this season. Hopefully, he’ll get back to 100% and not look back.
Which prospects are you most excited about?