With the third pick in the 2016 NHL Draft the Columbus Blue Jackets have selected Pierre-Luc Dubois from the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles of the QMJHL.

About Pierre-Luc Dubois

Playing centre for the first time in his career this season, Dubois impressed with a roughly 50 percent face-off success rate. His size and physicality makes him a possibility to become a top line centre – something the Blue Jackets will certainly need after moving Ryan Johansen earlier this year.

He’s a professional both on and off the ice and had the highest ratio of primary points (goals plus first assists) in the CHL this season. He’s a player that is willing to grow and develop and put on some significant muscle throughout the year to become the big middle-man that he is now.

He’s able to read the game better than most which explains his move the middle of the ice. He pays attention to the details of his game and should be a significant addition to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Welcome to Columbus.#CBJ #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/v6hKsfpTzU

— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) June 24, 2016

Blue Jackets: Top 5 Picks

In their short history, the Columbus Blue Jackets have picked in the top five of the NHL Entry Draft five times (2000, 2002, 2003, 2010 and 2012). Now, once again, they’re able to score a top five pick and took Dubois with the third overall pick in 2016.

Dubois is not likely to join the big club in 2016-17, but could get a look in a nine-game tryout early in the season. However, if he’s not able to stick, he’ll join an already impressive group of prospects in the Columbus organization including Alexander Wennberg, Oliver Bjorkstrand and Zach Werenski among others.

He adds a significant piece to a team that is continually building towards success. While they don’t currently have a legitimate number one centre, Dubois has the chance to take on that role and run with it over the next couple of seasons. Look for Dubois to head back to the QMJHL for at least one more year with the Screaming Eagles.