Markus Hannikainen, signed last summer from Finnish club JYP, has the potential to be a bottom six contributor for the Blue Jackets someday. He was the focus of extensive scouting by Blue Jackets General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen, who even invited Hannikainen to the development camp in Columbus in 2014, one full year before signing him.
Hannikainen brings size and some offensive ability to the prospect pool on the left wing. He registered 7-13-20 in 50 games for Lake Erie. He made his NHL debut on November 28 against the St. Louis Blues, playing 6:15 before suffering a shoulder injury.