Del Bel Belluz flies under the radar with the Columbus Blue Jackets due to their system’s bigger-name, higher-drafted prospects. The second-round pick (44th overall) in the 2022 NHL Draft has had limited NHL action in his two professional seasons. After making his NHL debut in the 2023-24 season, Del Bel Belluz played 15 games with the Blue Jackets during the 2024-25 season as an injury call-up and saw second-line usage. He has produced nine points in 16 career NHL games (three goals and six assists).

Playing a top-line role during the 2024-25 season in the American Hockey League, the Cleveland Monsters played 61 regular-season games and registered 53 points (27 goals and 26 assists). This is his AHL floor for offensive production.

Del Bel Belluz could crack the Blue Jackets opening night roster. He has the talent to beat out recent addition Isac Lundestrom. Still, Lundestrom was brought in to play a specific fourth-line role, which is not where Del Bel Belluz’s game is best suited. Turn to Yegor Chinakhov. If he gets traded, that could be the opening he needs to earn a spot and cement himself as an NHL regular. It is not a stretch that Del Bel Belluz could pass Cole Sillinger in the Blue Jackets lineup and get a top-nine opportunity.

The Blue Jackets are a deep forward group. So early in the season, it would be wise to send him back to the AHL and let him see first-line minutes; if Del Bel Belluz were to play a full season in the AHL, it would not be an exaggeration to project him as a 70+ point forward with at least 35 goals. Unless everything goes well, for the entire 2025-26 season for the Columbus Blue Jackets forward group, Del Bel Belluz probably will not play a whole season in the AHL because he will be a top call-up as an injury replacement or to replace an underperforming player. For him to provide instant fantasy value as a call-up and provide him the opportunity to stay in the NHL, it will have to be a middle-six player he will be replacing.

Del Bel Belluz has two years left on his current contract, and it is not a stretch to think that he will be a full-time NHL regular by the time his contract expires and a player in a significant role on the Columbus Blue Jackets. He should be rostered in all dynasty leagues. If you’re a rebuilding team starting to turn the corner, acquiring a player like Del Bel Belluz could pay off over the next 3-4 seasons when your team becomes a contender. Do not be afraid to inquire about Del Bel Belluz if he is owned in your league by a top team or someone who will move a prospect for a right now, every day NHL player.