The annual Traverse City NHL prospect tournament has been a successful venture for the Columbus Blue Jackets more often than not in the past few years. They have won the tournament two of the last three years, with many of the players on the roster constantly being moved up to the NHL level. The most recent example would be Zach Werenski, who was a finalist for the Calder Trophy following the 2016-2017 season.
The forward corps for the tournament will be the strongest part of the roster for the Columbus Blue Jackets, at least on paper.