SenShot NHL Mock Draft Pick #19 – Columbus Blue Jackets

With the 19th pick in the NHL mock draft, a team that has been a perennial bottom-feeder that has shown signs of making some noise gets their second opportunity to step to the podium.  This is a first round pick that the Blue Jackets received from the  Rangers in the Rick Nash trade

 #19 – COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS

Apr 21, 2013; San Jose, CA, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center Mark Letestu (second from left) celebrates with team after scoring the Blue Jackets third goal of the game against the San Jose Sharks during the third period at HP Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

TEAM STRENGTHS:  Goaltending, Strong group of all-around defensemen

TEAM WEAKNESSES: Inconsistent scoring, size on the wings

HOCKEY’S FUTURE ORGANIZATIONAL PROSPECT RANK: 21st of 30 teams

UNDER CONSIDERATION:   Samuel Morin, Josh Morrisey, Rasmus Ristolainen, Nicolas Petan

FANSIDED MOCK DRAFT PICK: Union and Blue selected Alexander Wennburg

SENSHOT’S CHOICE: Samuel Morin from Rimouski of the QMJHL.  Having addressed a need at forward earlier in the draft, the Blue Jackets move to the blue line and select the imposing Morin.  At 6’7″ and 200 lbs, he has some filling out to do, but is comparable to a young Tyler Myers in terms of size, although a better skater.  Morin is good defensively and he can learn in that area to become a consistent top 4.  Size is one thing you can’t teach, and he has that in spades.

SENSHOT’S MOCK DRAFT TO DATE (click on team to view the selection):