2025 NHL Draft: Focus on the Columbus Blue Jackets
As the 2025 NHL Draft approaches, with only two weeks to go, attention is turning towards the Columbus Blue Jackets (CBJ), who hold two first-round selections. The question looms: Will General Manager Don Waddell utilize these picks for drafting or leverage them to facilitate trades?
Spotlight on Prospect: Joshua Ravensbergen
One standout prospect gaining significant attention is Joshua Ravensbergen, a goaltender hailing from North Vancouver, British Columbia. Let’s delve into his background and the buzz surrounding him in the scouting community.
Player Profile
- Team: Prince George Cougars (Western Hockey League)
- 2024-25 Season Statistics: 33 wins, 13 losses, 4 overtime losses, with a .901 save percentage and a 3.00 goals-against average.
- Date of Birth: November 27, 2006
- Position: Goalie
- Catches: Right
- Height: 6’5″
- Weight: 192 lbs
Ravensbergen has drawn comparisons to some of the top goaltenders drafted recently, aspiring to be the first goalie selected in the first round since 2021, when Sebastian Cossa and Jesper Wallstedt were picked. Prior to that, Yaroslav Askarov and Spencer Knight also made first-round appearances in 2020 and 2019, respectively. According to NHL Central Scouting, he ranks as the premier goaltending prospect from North America, and intriguingly, he is the only right-handed goalie among the top 20 prospects.
Scouts’ Insights
Various scouting reports offer an array of rankings for Ravensbergen, placing him anywhere from 24th to 63rd overall. Here’s what scouts are saying:
“Ravensbergen is an imposing presence in the net at 6 feet 5 inches, demonstrating exceptional movement and elite reading of plays. He may not rely on flashy saves, as he’s often positioned perfectly to make the stop, skillfully challenging shooters and utilizing his size to his advantage.” – Elite Prospects 2025
“Though he possesses outstanding size and athleticism that allows him to make unique saves, Ravensbergen had an inconsistent season, struggling with positioning and play reading on occasions, which is relatively common for goalies at his age. His potential remains high, but development paths for goalies can be unpredictable.” – Jordan Harris, Dobber Prospects
“With his combination of height, rapid lateral movement, and quick glove, Ravensbergen is precisely the type of goalie that NHL franchises covet. He has the capacity to read plays effectively and react, making him a formidable option.” – Adam Kimelman, NHL.com
“Ravensbergen is a candidate to be the first goalie off the board, making a compelling case for a first-round selection with all of the foundational skills required for success in goal.” – Kareem Elshafey, FC Hockey
Conclusion
As the draft nears, it’s clear that bolstering the franchise’s goaltending strength is crucial for Waddell. If Ravensbergen remains available by the time the CBJ select at 14th, it seems likely that Waddell will prioritize picking him up. Should he be off the board, it will be interesting to see whether Waddell opts for another choice or decides to trade down.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this plays out. The draft promises to be a pivotal moment for the franchise’s future, especially if they are open to trading their first-round picks, as indicated in a recent report. Stay tuned as we keep you updated on the latest developments surrounding the Columbus Blue Jackets and the path they choose in the upcoming draft.
