2024 NHL Draft Lottery Results (5/7/24)

As the offseason gets underway, we all know the first step in missing the postseason is the NHL Draft Lottery, and it didn't disappoint for Columbus this evening. We will be fourth up in Round 1, which gives us a great opportunity to either pick another young player to mold and shape for this franchise or trade the pick for a player we need. Being this high in any draft gives a General Manager multiple directions to go, and I say 'a General Manager' because the franchise still needs one. Currently, John Davidson, the Columbus Blue Jackets President of Hockey Operations, is doing his position and that of a General Manager until one is found. Personally, I hope the news of one being hired comes soon, as I'd like them to be settled into the organization before this Draft takes place. 

In addition, we now know that the 2024 NHL Draft will take place in Las Vegas's brand-new technological thriller, The Sphere. Having seen videos of U2 playing within it, I can only imagine how epic this Draft will be. The Draft will take place on June 28th and conclude on June 29th. I expect big moves from the Blue Jackets in the office as we hire a new General Manager, with current and future players, too. I love watching the race for the 2024 Stanley Cup, but as far as the Blue Jackets go, time is ticking because when that Cup is handed out, the real work begins the next day, and this team has a lot to accomplish and decide between now and September.  

Now, I'm not one to express my opinion; I focus on facts. That said, I'll be asked, so if I were General Manager, I'd consider grouping this fourth-overall pick with a young player and shopping for a player with experience but time left to play. Given the last few seasons, I'd be hunting for a defenseman who can eat up ice time with Zach Wereski and add to the locker room leadership. You can agree or disagree with me, but after this recent season, I have more questions about defense than any other position. We have many talented forwards and several directions we can take goaltending, but over defense still holds many questions regarding who pairs well with whom, who can eat ice time, and above all else, who can slot in anywhere at any time and produce both defense and score. 

Go CBJ!       

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