· 2026-07-15

The Columbus Blue Jackets are impressed by Alessandro Di Iorio's leadership skills, which were on full display during his time as captain and alternate captain on various teams. Di Iorio, a center taken in the third round of the 2026 NHL Draft, wore the captain's "C" this season with Sarnia of the Ontario Hockey League.
Di Iorio's leadership skills were a major factor in his selection by the Blue Jackets. According to Blue Jackets assistant director of amateur scouting Trevor Timmins, Di Iorio brings a lot of leadership to the table. "This kid brings a lot of leadership," Timmins said. "He was captain of Sarnia. He's usually worn a letter on all the teams that he's been with. He has strong character, and he pays attention to details off the ice. He's already conducting himself as a young pro, doing all the right things – training, nutrition, all that good stuff."
The Blue Jackets are looking for players who can lead by example, and Di Iorio fits the bill. His experience as captain and alternate captain on various teams has given him a strong sense of leadership, which is exactly what the Blue Jackets are looking for. "This kid brings a lot of leadership," Timmins said. "He was captain of Sarnia. He's usually worn a letter on all the teams that he's been with."
The Blue Jackets will be keeping a close eye on Di Iorio's development, and it's likely that he'll be given every opportunity to succeed. As Timmins noted, Di Iorio is already conducting himself as a young pro, doing all the right things – training, nutrition, all that good stuff. The Blue Jackets are excited to see what the future holds for Di Iorio, and it's clear that he's off to a great start.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are currently standing 11th in the Eastern Conference with a 40-30 record, on a two-game winning streak.