The Columbus Blue Jackets participated in their first NHL Entry Draft under the direction of their new President of Hockey Operations/General Manager, Don Waddell, and made a statement with their selections that they wanted big, physical players.

The first round of the Draft was held at the Sphere in Las Vegas Friday, with rounds two through seven happening on Saturday. The Blue Jackets had the fourth pick in the initial round and, after turning down a number of trade opportunities, held fast to take center Cayden Lindstrom.

Lindstrom, who played the past two+ seasons with the Medicine Hat Tigers of the Western Hockey League, is a native of Chetwynd, British Columbia and has represented Canada at several international tournaments. Standing at 6-3 and weighing in at 213 lbs., Lindstrom combines a reportedly menacing presence with superior skating skills.

The Blue Jackets selected defenseman Charlie Elick from the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League in the second round, 36th overall.  The 6-3, 202-pound blueliner was born in Villach, Austria, but raised in Calgary, Alberta, 

Columbus acquired a second-round selection, 60th overall, from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for a 2024 second-round pick (69th overall) and fifth-round pick (133rd overall).  

With the 60th pick, the Blue Jackets selected Saskatoon Blades goaltender Evan Gardner.  Gardner posted a 21-5-0 record with a 1.91 goals-against average and a .927 save percentage in 30 appearances during his rookie season with Saskatoon in 2023-24. He is a native of Fort St. John, British Columbia.

In the third round, with the 86th overall pick, the Blue Jackets selected defenseman Luca Marrelli from the Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey League.  The 6-2, 185-pound player is a native of Toronto, Ontario.

Columbus used its fourth-round pick, 101th overall, to select defenseman Tanner Henricks from the Lincoln Stars of the United States Hockey League. The 6-4, 206-pound blueliner is a native of Mission Viejo, California and is committed to play at St. Cloud State University for the 2025-26 season.

In the sixth round, with the 165th overall pick, Columbus picked another defensemen, Luke Ashton from the Langley Rivermen of the British Columbia Hockey League. The North Vancouver, British Columbia native is 6-6 and 231-pounds. Ashton is committed to play at Minnesota State University (Mankato) for the 2024-25 season.

The Blue Jackets welcome their six draft choices to Columbus Monday to take part in their physicals before the beginning of development camp Tuesday. The camp will be held at the OhioHealth Ice Haus through Friday and is free to the public.