I think it’s safe to say the Columbus Blue Jackets’ defensive depth went from a weakness to a definite strength after tonight. Jarmo Kekalainen and Co. went back to the defensive well and selected Denton Mateychuk from the WHL at #12 overall.
Mateychuk is more of an offensive defenseman, and as mentioned in the scouting report, his play style has been compared to that of Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes. His size and physicality are an area of concern, but his ceiling is very high. He was nearly a point-per-game this season, and was named a captain at the NHL Top Prospects game.