OHL In The System: Columbus Blue Jackets

This 32-part series will spotlight OHL players who are either signed to an NHL or AHL contract or are recently drafted, and are 25 years old or younger with 50 or fewer NHL games played.

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Today, we take a closer look at the Columbus Blue Jackets’ prospect pool with ties to the OHL.

 

Owen Griffin (C) – Oshawa Generals (2023-25)
Selected: 5th Round, 160th Overall (2025)
OHL Career Stats: 123 GP, 23 G, 34 A, 57 PTS, -13
Age: 18

With the final pick of the fifth round in this year’s NHL Draft, the Columbus Blue Jackets selected Owen Griffin of the Oshawa Generals. The Markham, Ont. native was one of the Generals’ most dynamic performers during their run to a second straight OHL Championship, tallying 26 points (15-11–26) in just 17 playoff games. Griffin took a major leap in his sophomore season, building on a strong regular season where he posted 51 points (22-29–51) over 62 games.

 

Luca Marrelli (D) – Oshawa Generals (2021-25)
Selected: 3rd Round, 86th Overall (2024)
OHL Career Stats: 254 GP, 30 G, 141 A, 171 PTS, +34
Age: 19

In his fourth season with the Generals, Luca Marrelli posted 74 points (19-55–74) in 67 games. Leading all defencemen in playoff scoring, he recorded 36 points (6-30–36) in 21 games and set a new franchise playoff scoring record for a blueliner. He is set to join the Cleveland Monsters of the AHL in the fall.

 

Luca Pinelli (LW) – Ottawa 67’s (2021-25)
Selected: 4th Round, 114th Overall (2023)
OHL Career Stats: 246 GP, 128 G, 124 A, 252 PTS, +26
Age: 20

Captain of the Ottawa 67’s this past season, Luca Pinelli produced 71 points (37-34–71) in 52 regular-season games and added four points (2-2–4) in six playoff contests. After the 67’s season ended, he joined the Cleveland Monsters for their playoff run and made an immediate impact, scoring two goals – including the overtime winner. Pinelli also represented Canada at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship.

 

Nolan Lalonde (G) – Erie Otters (2021-2023), Saginaw Spirit (2023-24), Kingston Frontenacs (2024-25), Soo Greyhounds (2024-25)
Signed: October 2, 2022
OHL Career Stats: 167 GP, 3.60 GAA, .876 SV%, 72-65-10-8
Age: 21

Nolan Lalonde wrapped up his OHL career with the Soo Greyhounds this season, appearing in 15 games with two shutouts, a 3.36 GAA, and a .893 save percentage. The 6-foot-2 netminder originally signed with Columbus as a free agent in 2022 and will aim to earn a spot within the organization this season.

 

Luca Del Bel Belluz (C) – Mississauga Steelheads (2019-23), Sarnia Sting (2022-23)
Selected: 2nd Round, 44th Overall (2022)
OHL Career Stats: 192 GP, 71 G, 98 A, 169 PTS, +20
Age: 21

Splitting time between Columbus and Cleveland this past season, Luca Del Bel Belluz tallied eight points (2-6–8) in 15 NHL games. In the AHL, he led the Monsters with 27 goals and finished third on the team in scoring with 53 points (27–26–53). His standout year earned him a spot at the 2025 AHL All-Star Classic.

 

Max McCue (RW) – London Knights (2019-24)
Signed: March 1, 2024
OHL Career Stats: 218 GP, 51 G, 90 A, 141 PTS, +47
Age: 22

Originally drafted by the San Jose Sharks in 2021, Max McCue signed with Columbus as a free agent in 2024. This past season, he suited up for the Monsters, recording eight points (2-6–8) in 46 games while leading the team in penalty minutes with 122.

 

Jet Greaves (G) – Barrie Colts (2018-2020)
Signed: February 20, 2022
OHL Career Stats: 60 GP, 3.17 GAA, .899 SV%, 20-27-4-1
Age: 24

Jet Greaves had a breakout season in both the NHL and AHL. With the Blue Jackets, he went 7-2-2 with a 1.91 GAA, .938 SV%, and two shutouts across 11 games. In Cleveland, he posted a 2.62 GAA and .920 SV%, earning a spot on the AHL Top Prospects Team. Entering the 2025-26 season on a one-way contract, Greaves will be with Columbus full-time and continues to make a strong case as a long-term goaltending option.

 

Tomorrow on In The System, we’ll take a look at the OHL Talent inside the Montreal Canadiens organization!