NHL Trade News: Dmitri Voronkov signs two-year, $8.35 million contract extension with Columbus Blue Jackets

The Columbus Blue Jackets have secured an important piece of their young core, announcing a two-year contract extension for forward Dmitri Voronkov. The 24-year-old, who just completed his second NHL season, will remain in Columbus through the 2026-27 campaign.

The deal carries an average annual value of $4.175 million and underscores the team’s commitment to building around promising talent as it continues to retool for future playoff contention.

Dmitri Voronkov commits to the Columbus Blue Jackets by signing a new two-year contract extension

Voronkov’s extension was confirmed Saturday by Blue Jackets president and general manager Don Waddell. The Angarsk, Russia native emerged as one of Columbus’s most productive forwards last season, recording 23 goals and 47 points across 73 games.

In addition to providing consistent scoring, Voronkov impressed coaches with his size, strength, and ability to win battles along the boards."We are very pleased to reach this agreement with Dmitri as he is an important part of our young core. He has size, strength and excellent hands and has a chance to be a very special player. We look forward to his continued growth and development as a Blue Jacket,” said Waddell.The new contract replaces Voronkov’s expiring two-year, entry-level deal.

He had been a restricted free agent before signing the extension.

An important building block for the ongoing rebuild of the Columbus Blue Jackets

Drafted 114th overall in the fourth round of the 2019 NHL Draft, Voronkov has developed steadily since arriving in North America. He made his NHL debut in 2023 and has since appeared in 148 career games, registering 41 goals and 81 points. He also brought international experience, earning a silver medal with the Russian Olympic Committee at the 2022 Winter Olympics.Voronkov’s offensive upside and physical presence have positioned him as a key contributor as the Blue Jackets look to turn the corner in their rebuild. With fellow young talents in the lineup and an evolving leadership group, Columbus sees Voronkov as a player who can help drive success in the coming seasons.Voronkov’s new deal ensures the Blue Jackets retain a promising scorer with the potential to blossom into a top-line forward. As Columbus continues to assemble a competitive roster, keeping key young players like Voronkov signals the organization’s intent to build a sustainable foundation for future success.Also Read: NHL star Brent Burns set to boost Colorado Avalanche defense in 2025-26