The Columbus Blue Jackets hold three first-round picks in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft - #5 overall plus picks 24 (from Toronto) and 32 (from Tampa Bay). Here are five compelling prospects they could target:

Sebastian Cossa, G, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)

• 6'6", 212 lbs goaltender with exceptional lateral quickness
• Strong positional play and smart reads
• Needs work on vision during net-front scrambles
• Could develop into future #1 goaltender

Aatu Räty, C, Kärpät (Liiga)

• Former projected #1 overall pick who has slipped in rankings
• Skilled playmaker with good shot and physical game
• Skating needs refinement
• Projects as 2C with 1C upside

Zachary L'Heureux, C/W, Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)

• Brad Marchand-style player with scoring touch and edge
• 47 PIMs in 33 games in 2021
• Character concerns but brings energy and toughness
• Middle-six forward potential

Daniil Chayka, LHD, CSKA (KHL)

• Shutdown defenseman already playing in KHL
• NHL-caliber skating and smart defensive reads
• Limited offensive upside but heavy point shot
• Projects as steady second-pair defenseman

Daniil Lazutin, C, SKA (MHL)

• Skilled center with creative offensive abilities
• Down year statistically but strong international play
• Raw talent with good size
• Mid-round pick with upside potential

The Blue Jackets must capitalize on these picks as they rebuild their roster. Each prospect offers unique skills that could help reshape the team's future.

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