2024 NHL Mock Draft: Pronman, Wheeler and Bultman play GM and pick the first round

1. Columbus Blue Jackets (Pick by Pronman): Carter Yakemchuk, RHD, Calgary Hitmen

I don’t expect Yakemchuk to go this high on actual draft day, but it doesn’t deter me as I’m a big fan of this player. He’s a 6-foot-3 defenseman who has a ton of skill, scored 30 goals in the WHL this season, is competitive and skates well enough. He has the potential to be a No. 1 defenseman if he hits. He’s exactly what Columbus needs in its rebuild.