Brindley could evolve into future leader with Blue Jackets

COLUMBUS -- Gavin Brindley was a mentor to many Columbus Blue Jackets prospects at their development camp this summer.

It was notable, but not surprising.

Though 16 of the 29 players in attendance were older than the forward from Estero, Florida, the 19-year-old prospect commanded their attention and respect for what he already has accomplished on the ice at a young age.

Brindley was the 2024 Big Ten Player of the Year and a first-team All-American at Michigan, helped the United States win the gold medal at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship and scored for the U.S. at the IIHF World Championship in May.

The topper was when the second-round pick (No. 34) in the 2023 NHL Draft made his debut for the Blue Jackets against the Carolina Hurricanes on April 16.

“I think just learning from that game and especially the World Championship, too, and being with those guys there, everything is a learning experience,” Brindley said.

“You’re 19 years old and there's a lot ahead of you, but at the same time you see where your feet are, and we’ll see what happens next.”

Blue Jackets director of player development Rick Nash saw plenty of Brindley at the World Championship as Canada’s general manager.

“He looked really good," Nash said. "I thought he had a lot of pace out there, a lot of pop. He spent a month over with Team USA at the World Championship, and I think you can see that. He’s been around a lot of pro players. I can see on the ice that he had some confidence and pop to his game. I was impressed.”

Brindley led Michigan last season with 53 points (25 goals, 28 assists) in 40 games, and is tenacious at both ends of the ice despite his size (5-foot-9, 168 pounds). Nash said adding weight and strength to a still-maturing body is Brindley's top priority.

“I think just knowing where I stack up against other guys and what I need to improve on heading into summer is huge, right?” Brindley said.

He's already had a taste of the NHL but understands nothing can be taken for granted. His father, Ryan Brindley, played 596 minor-league games, including 32 in the American Hockey League, during 12 professional seasons.

“It's your dream to play in the NHL and stay in the NHL, so hopefully I can get it done,” the younger Brindley said.

He will get a chance to crack the Blue Jackets roster during training camp, but most likely will begin the season with Cleveland of the AHL.

“I think I just need to come in [to training camp] and be ready to go ... work my tail off and see what happens,” Brindley said. “It doesn’t really matter where I’m playing, whether it’s the American League or the NHL at the beginning of the year. Either way I feel like I’m going to develop as a hockey player and I’m excited.”