10 players the Blue Jackets should consider at fourth overall

If Ivan Demidov is available with the fourth overall pick, the Blue Jackets will have no choice but to take him. He probably has the highest offensive potential in the entire draft, and I’m not even sure anyone else is close as far as forwards go. Macklin Celebrini may be the top prospect because of his overall game, but Demidov has breaking skills.

Ivan’s stock has risen rapidly in recent weeks as his official size has changed – and he has talked about coming to North America soon, rather than later. My gut tells me that if Chicago doesn’t take him second overall, Anaheim will swoop in to take him third before anyone can change their mind.

This is a player who could become an elite playmaker from the wing, an elite offensive producer like recent Russian superstars like Nikita Kucherov or Kirill Kaprizov.

Teams will be upset if they give up on Demidov and he arrives in 1-2 years – much like they are now with Philadelphia’s Matvei Michkov. Demidov is the only player in this draft that I think would be able to challenge Macklin Celebrini for the top overall spot, if they were to face each other. He’s so good.

Why they should take it: If he’s on the board, he’s the best player available. You have to take him.

Why they should avoid it: Without reason. He’s a winger, who we said they didn’t need earlier. But it’s good enough that you take it anyway and build a strong position.