10 players the Blue Jackets should consider at No. 4 overall

The Blue Jackets have allowed more than 300 goals in each of the last three seasons. Anton Silayev would be able to change this figure in the long term, or even immediately.

Standing at 6’7″ and weighing over 200 pounds, Silayev is one of the most unique prospects I have seen in my 20 years of following this side of the game. He is an elite skater in every sense of the word – yes, I just used that “E” word to describe the footwork of a 6’7″ defender.

He is already a polished defender, capable of breaking up plays in a variety of ways using his stick, skate or size. I think he could enter the NHL and play a limited role as early as next season, if he wanted to.

But he doesn’t have a big offensive punch, which is generally expected from a defender ranked in the top 10 or, better yet, in the top 5. He is, however, a high-end defender, which can enough to make someone take a big hit here.

Why they should take it: He’s probably going to be the best pure defenseman in the draft, he’s one of the best skaters in the class and he’s 6’7″.

Why they should avoid it: He is strictly a defensive defender, with very limited offensive potential. High floor, low ceiling drive. It’s easier to teach highly skilled guys to defend, than it is for guys like this to have talent…