Jarmo Kekalainen’s first ever draft pick back in 2013 as the new GM of the Blue Jackets, Wennberg took a big step forward in his development in 2016-17, staying healthy and playing a career-high 80 games while improving his production across the board. The young Swedish center remains a pass-first player in the offensive end, taking only 109 shots on the season, but his vision and hockey IQ make his linemates better. The coaching staff will continue to press him to be more aggressive in looking for his own shot rather than giving up the puck, as good things tend to happen when he keeps it, but the Jackets have more than enough talent around him on the wings to take advantage of his willingness to facilitate.

Wennberg showed some growth in his sophomore campaign, doubling his goal and point totals while improving his plus-minus and generally looking a lot readier for the rigors of the NHL. The 21-year-old will be asked to make another leap forward in 2016-17, however, as the Jackets’ lack of depth up the middle has him penciled in as the second-line center to begin the season. That role would provide him with a much-improved supporting cast, likely including Brandon Saad, but while the young pivot’s already demonstrated that he can handle himself in his own end, Wennberg hasn't yet proven he's ready for that level of responsibility on offense. Assuming he uses this offseason to get stronger and avoid the various injuries that cost him 13 games last year, though, the Swede’s outstanding vision, passing and hockey IQ could allow him to challenge the 50-assist mark thanks to the snipers riding shotgun for him.

Last year's 14th overall pick has the skill and hockey IQ to excel in just about any role on an NHL roster, and the 19-year-old Wennberg will get a legitimate chance to earn a spot on the Columbus roster in training camp. His fantasy ceiling might be limited at the outset, but down the road, he could comfortably settle in on a second or third line and be the kind of player who contributes at both ends of the ice.

The 14th overall pick in this year's draft, Wennberg has the skill, smarts and drive to make an impact in every zone on the ice once he transitions over to North America. He's still a couple of years away from the NHL, but he should adapt quickly to the pro game and become a fixture in the Blue Jackets' lineup.