The Blue Jackets concluded the 2025 NHL Draft on Saturday afternoon with six new players, including a trio of choices in the first 76 picks in the opening three rounds. But to the team’s decision makers, they left with three of the top 14 players in the draft.

Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell was thwarted in his trade efforts at the NHL Draft. So, he drafted. And he said that was fine.

Vass, who's 6-foot-3, 195 pounds, is a two-way defender who shoots left-handed and is committed to play for Boston University next season. The Blue Jackets acquired the pick by giving Detroit fourth-round picks in 2025 (109th overall) and 2026.