Columbus Blue Jackets Reveal Who They Plan to Take Third Overall at the Draft

Blue Jackets President of Hockey Operations John Davidson spoke on Ohio Sports Radio station '97.1 The Fan' to discuss their Draft plans, and Davidson dropped a major hint on their plans for 3rd Overall.

Davidson, when asked about the third pick, responed by saying, "We will get a center, I can tell you that right now."

With the projected Top 2 picks expected to be Regina Pats C Connor Bedard going 1st to the Chicago Blackhawks, and then Michigan C Adam Fantilli, it appears that Columbus still has it's eyes set on a Center, and it appears at Pick 3 that Columbus looks to continue the run of Centers as well.

When asked about Pick 3, Davidson says he is looking at options there. 2 names that were mentioned were Swedish Center Leo Carlsson, an all-around, two-way forward who had one of the most productive seasons by a Draft Eligible in the Swedish Hockey League. As well, Center Will Smith, the naturally talented NTDP star who rose to even further heights after a dominating MVP performance at the World U18's.

Both players are high-end prospects, expected to high in this year's draft. However, this implies this takes Russian star Matvei Michkov out of the situation.

Michkov, a winger, had a dynamic performance for Sochi in the KHL, bursting back into prominence with 9 Goals and 20 Points in 27 Games for Sochi, after going scoreless in middling minutes for SKA St. Petersburg, before the team loaned him to Sochi. Michkov's PPG was the highest of any KHL Draft Eligible, ahead of Rangers stars Vladimir Tarasenko and Artemi Panarin.

Michkov not being taken at 3 leaves San Jose the chance of taking the Russian at 4th Overall, and after trading Timo Meier and Brent Burns, they may be able to afford to wait on Michkov, who is contracted to SKA until 2026. As well, Montreal may have the option of Michkov at 5 as well, and needing an impact winger, would be a perfect addition to the Habs young top-six group.

Another prominent Center surely being looked at by Columbus is Slovakian Dalibor Dvorsky, who also impressed in the U18s, and is one of the top two-way forwards in the NHL Draft, playing a mature game that fascinates scouts for an intelligent defensive skill set strong for a player of his age.

We will see who Columbus goes with.