What's Happening?
The Columbus Blue Jackets have announced the emergency recall of forward Luca Del Bel Belluz from their American Hockey League affiliate, the Cleveland Monsters. This decision was made by the club's President
of Hockey Operations and General Manager, Don Waddell. Del Bel Belluz, a 22-year-old center, has been a part of the Blue Jackets since making his NHL debut at the end of the 2023-24 season. In his career with the Blue Jackets, he has accumulated three goals and seven assists over 27 games. This season, he has appeared in 11 games, contributing one assist. Del Bel Belluz was originally drafted by Columbus in the second round of the 2022 NHL Draft. His performance in the AHL has been notable, with 13 points in 14 games this season. The Blue Jackets are set to play against the Anaheim Ducks, with the game scheduled for Saturday at the Honda Center.
Why It's Important?
The recall of Luca Del Bel Belluz is significant for the Columbus Blue Jackets as they navigate their current roster challenges. Emergency recalls are typically indicative of injuries or other roster issues that necessitate immediate reinforcement. Del Bel Belluz's addition provides the team with a young, skilled player who has shown promise both in the NHL and AHL. His presence could help stabilize the team's performance as they face upcoming games. For the Blue Jackets, maintaining a competitive edge is crucial, especially as they aim to improve their standing in the league. This move also highlights the importance of having a strong affiliate system, as the Cleveland Monsters continue to develop players who can step up when needed.
What's Next?
The Blue Jackets will be closely monitoring Del Bel Belluz's performance in the upcoming games, starting with their match against the Anaheim Ducks. His ability to adapt and contribute at the NHL level will be crucial for his future with the team. Additionally, the Blue Jackets' management will likely continue to assess their roster needs and make further adjustments as necessary. Fans and analysts will be watching to see how the team performs with these changes and whether Del Bel Belluz can secure a more permanent role on the roster.
