Columbus Blue Jackets make surprise move, sign Christian Jaros for NHL comeback

The Columbus Blue Jackets have officially added international experience and size to their blue line, announcing Monday the signing of 29-year-old Slovak defenseman Christian Jaros to a one-year, two-way contract for the 2025–26 season.

Jaros, who spent the last three years battling in Russia’s KHL, returns to North America with a rugged resume built on NHL, AHL, and European competition. It’s a strategic move by team President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Don Waddell to strengthen depth on defense with a player known for his hard-nosed, physical style and a track record that spans multiple continents and championships.

Christian Jaros returns to the NHL as Columbus Blue Jackets add KHL-tested size and experience to their defense

Christian Jaros’ journey to Columbus Blue Jackets is anything but typical.

Born in Košice, Slovakia, he was selected by the Ottawa Senators in the fifth round of the 2015 NHL Draft and made his NHL debut in October 2017 against the Vancouver Canucks. While splitting early years between the NHL and AHL, he showed a gritty, physical approach that quickly became his trademark.

He delivered his most productive NHL season in 2018–19 with Ottawa, posting career highs in points, hits, and blocked shots.

That season helped cement his reputation as a dependable, stay-at-home defenseman.After playing with the San Jose Sharks and New Jersey Devils between 2021 and 2022, Jaros chose a new direction. Following his departure from the Devils in March 2022—where he was placed on unconditional waivers after declining an AHL assignment—he opted to continue his career in Russia.

A KHL chapter that sharpened Christian Jaros’ defensive skills

Between 2022 and 2025, Jaros suited up in Russia’s top league with Avangard Omsk, Severstal Cherepovets, and CSKA Moscow.

He totaled 42 points over 132 KHL games, earning a Gagarin Cup championship with CSKA in 2023—though he missed the playoffs due to injury.During the 2024–25 season, he returned to CSKA for a second stint, finishing with 12 points in 51 games before deciding to pursue an NHL comeback.

Columbus blue line gets boost with Christian Jaros’ NHL return

The Blue Jackets made the signing official on Monday in Columbus, with Waddell announcing the deal as part of the team’s broader offseason plan to improve defensive depth.Jaros’ contract—a one-year, two-way deal—means he’ll be available for NHL duty in Columbus or assignment to the AHL affiliate if needed. For a team looking to rebound after a challenging season, his signing adds flexibility and proven toughness to the blue line.For Christian Jaros, this move marks a return to the NHL stage after three years overseas. And for the Columbus Blue Jackets, it’s a calculated step to bring in reliable, international experience at a position that demands consistency. As the 2025–26 season approaches, both sides are betting on a partnership that can deliver stability—and maybe even a little surprise upside—to the Columbus defense.Also Read: Florida Panthers shock NHL: Aaron Ekblad, Brad Marchand, Sam Bennett sign blockbuster long-term deals before free agency