The Blue Jackets began the 2015 NHL Draft with only one first round pick (No. 8 overall), which was used on defenseman Zach Werenski. But, as was anticipated, the Blue Jackets were active and made some moves late in the first round.
A trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs was made to acquire a second first-round pick in exchange for Columbus’ 34th (second round) and 68th (third round) picks in this year's draft. That No. 29 overall pick was used to select another defenseman, Gabriel Carlsson, who was the second "Priority 1" player the Jackets took with their first two selections.