Huddled in a conference room on the suite level of Nationwide Arena, the Blue Jackets’ amateur scouting staff put nearly a year’s work of hard work into action this week.
This time each year, the team’s regional scouts convene in Columbus from all over the world and bring their observations, opinions and lists to the table. They’ve seen hundreds of players, watched countless games and watched several players of interest play well, play poorly and either climb up or fall down their list.
It’s detailed, meticulous and energizing work with long stretches spent away from home, and it all leads up to their big moment and big stage at the 2015 NHL Draft.