Prospects could be indicative of Blue Jackets’ bright future

NHL.com is providing in-depth prospect analysis for each of its 30 teams throughout the month of August. Today, the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Years of high draft picks because of poor performance is paying off for the Columbus Blue Jackets: Lake Erie won the Calder Cup in June, the first American Hockey League championship for a Blue Jackets affiliate.

There is depth in the minors, so the NHL team doesn’t have to overpay veteran players to fill roster spots.

Here are the Blue Jackets’ top five prospects, according to NHL.com:

1. Zach Werenski, D

How acquired: Selected with No. 8 pick of 2015 NHL Draft

Last season: Michigan (BIG10): 36 GP, 11-25-36; Lake Erie (AHL): 7, 1-0-1

Werenski, who turned 19 on July 19, left Michigan after his sophomore season and immediately contributed to Lake Erie’s playoff push. The 6-foot-2, 209-pound Grosse Pointe, Mich., native had five goals, nine assists and a plus-8 rating in 17 games.

The Blue Jackets like his speed, vision and poise, as well as the fact he is growing. With an accurate and hard shot, Werenski quickly established himself as the point man for Lake Erie’s power play.

“There’s a very good chance he makes our team and makes our team better,” Columbus general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said.

Projected NHL arrival: This season

2. Oliver Bjorkstrand, RW

How acquired: Selected with No. 89 pick of 2013 NHL Draft

Last season: Columbus: 12 GP, 4-4-8; Lake Erie (AHL): 51 GP, 17-12-29

The “Great Dane” was named the Calder Cup MVP after he had 10 goals and six assists in 17 …

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