When Luca Del Bel Belluz told reporters at development camp last year that he was going to turn pro, Blue Jacket and Monster fans were excited. He had done his required time in the junior leagues, so we knew he was on his way, but when we heard him say it, it was real.
Del Bel Belluz was drafted No. 44 by Columbus in 2022, a pick some considered a steal at the time. He signed his entry-level contract with the CBJ later in 2022. The Mississauga Steelheads of the OHL drafted the Woodbridge, Ontario product, and in his final year, he was traded to the Sarnia Sting, also of the OHL.
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In his first year with the Steelheads, he played in 58 games and was only able to score six points. His second season was derailed by COVID-19 as the OHL canceled the season. His third year was his breakthrough, scoring 30 goals and 76 points in 68 games. In his final season, he played in 34 games for Mississauga before being traded, scoring 20 goals and 41 points for the Steelheads. After being traded to Sarnia, he played in 32 games and scored 20 goals and 46 points. He also played in 16 playoff games for Sarnia, scoring 15 points. Another CBJ draft pick, Ole-Julian Bjørgvik-Holm, was also a teammate of his at Mississauga.
LDBB is a nimble center with smooth hands. At 6’1″ and 185 pounds, he can make sharp turns with the puck while still attacking the defense and looking for plays from his teammates. With his size, he would most likely be used on the wing in the NHL, but given his experience taking and winning faceoffs and being a playmaker, he could be a valuable asset down the road as a CBJ winger. Scouts describe him as a sharpshooter and could score goals when they wanted to in junior leagues. Scouts have criticized him for his skill on the ice and physical play. His size doesn’t mean he’s very physical, but with his scoring instincts and playmaking ability, he can be used in other ways.
The 2023–24 season was his rookie season as a professional and he spent the season with the Cleveland Monsters. Del Bel Belluz played 59 games, scored 9 goals and totaled 31 points. In the Calder Cup Playoffs, he played 9 games and scored two points.
On April 16, he was named to his NHL debut against the Carolina Hurricanes. Despite playing only 9:35 of the game, he was able to make an impact, taking his first NHL shot and firing the puck past the Hurricanes’ goalie to score his first NHL goal.
After the game, he and all the other Monsters who played for Columbus returned to Cleveland for the final weekend of the regular season. The Monsters won thanks to the returning players and made a deep playoff run.
Del Bel Belluz will most likely spend most of next season back with the Monsters, but with new GM Don Waddell now in charge, some of the guys from Cleveland could spend some time in Columbus.
LDBB has the chance to become a really good player.
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