Kent Johnson

If Columbus fails to win the draft lottery, this is the centreman they should consider looking at with their own 1st round pick.

If there is one thing that Torts likes, it is consistency.

Johnson has shown no ability to slow down since coming to the NCAA. He is second on the University of Michigan in points, with 25 total points in 23 games. He is a shifty electrifying center who thinks the game at a high level. Johnson is usually always one of the most consistent players on the ice, showing off his flashy hands and playmaking abilities. This makes him very dangerous, but combining his offensive skills with strong fluid edgework and skating, he can carve the ice quickly, create space, and make the opposition hesitate.

Zach Dean

This is the centerman Columbus should consider looking at with either the Toronto 1st or the Tampa 1st, whichever is higher.

If there is one thing that Torts likes, it is high energy, two-way centremen that can shut down top lines from opposing teams.

As a leader on one of the youngest teams in the QMJHL, Zach Dean has been tasked with the heavy lifting job of not only supplying consistent production for the Olympiques, but also aiding in shutting down some of the league’s powerhouse lines iced by Shawinigan and Val d’Or. Dean is an energetic forward who can succeed in the role of puck hound as well as setup-man. His blend of off-puck anticipation as well as technical skills that enable reptile-like puck retrieval makes him the type of player whose likelihood of projecting to an impactful two-way player, quite likely. Additionally, Dean’s ability to manipulate his northbound transitional speed and effectively distribute the puck once he reaches the offensive zone makes him the type of player who could factor into a teams’ top-six.

Dylan Duke

This is the centerman Columbus should consider looking at with either the Toronto 1st or the Tampa 1st, whichever is lower.

If there is one thing that Torts likes, it is swiss army knife type of centermen.

Duke is a swiss army knife forward who is strong on the puck and his feet. While not the biggest player, Duke thrives in front of the net. Whether shooting in space or banging in goals, he has a knack for the net. While his ceiling isn’t tremendous, Duke has all the makings of a rock-steady utility forward with goal-scoring upside.