USA forward Aidan Hreschuk skates with the puck

Photo credit: Dobber Prospects

The Blue Jackets have unexpectedly decided to cut ties with one of their promising young forwards, which was first reported by NHL insider Aaron Portzline.

Hreschuk was traded by the Hurricanes shortly after being selected in the draft

Selected 94th overall by the Hurricanes in the third round of the 2021 Entry Draft, Hreschuk was traded by the Hurricanes in a minor-league transaction to the Columbus Blue Jackets on March 21, 2022.

The Blue Jackets traded a defenseman named Tyler Inamoto to the Hurricanes. Hreschuk has gone on to finish his fourth season in NCAA at Boston College.

For BC in 146 games, Hreschuk’s offensive production was modest, with two goals and seven assists for nine points last season in 33 games and in double digits only two times in his college career.

Hreschuk’s value lies more in his defensive game, not his offense

This has left his value focusing more on his physical defensive game and toughness rather than his goal-scoring potential.

NHL insider Aaron Portzline reports the Blue Jackets have Hreschuk’s NHL rights until August 15th, but won’t likely sign him. This would see him become a free agent this offseason and potentially sign with any of his desired NHL teams.

While not necessarily considered these days as anything more than a depth player, Hreschuk’s defensive robustness and skating and passing abilities may appeal to certain teams to take a chance on him as a minimum risk, as he is an NHL-ready defenseman.

Previously on HouseOfHockey

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Columbus Blue Jackets Unexpectedly Cut Ties With Promising Young Forward

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