NHL Free Agency News: Blue Jackets Re-Sign RFA Dmitri Voronkov

Russian forward Dmitri Voronkov broke through in the 2024-25 season, securing a legit role in the Columbus Blue Jackets' middle-six, while scoring 23 goals and totaling 47 points in 73 games, with a plus/minus rating of +17.

Now, as a restricted free agent, coming off his entry-level deal, the 24-year-old has earned himself a new two-year, $8.35 million contract with the Jackets, a $4.17 million AAV.

BIG BOSS IS 🔙!

We’ve signed forward Dmitri Voronkov to a two-year contract!

📝 https://t.co/ReUHqLcQSZ pic.twitter.com/JcKHPtOP2M
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) July 5, 2025

"We are very pleased to reach this agreement with Dmitri as he is an important part of our young core," said GM Don Waddell. "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."

Sizeable RFA Voronkov earns new two-year deal

The imposing, 6-foot-5 physical forward uses his size to win puck battles along the boards, and is a strong presence in front of the net. He's able to distribute the puck as well as deposit it in the back of the goal.

Voronkov has played both center and on the wing for Columbus, and he leads the Blue Jackets in power play goals over the past two seasons.

There were rumors, per Elliotte Friedman in a recent 32 Thoughts Podcast, that the NY Islanders were targeting him in trade talks surrounding Noah Dobson earlier in the offseason, but the defenseman was eventually dealt to the Montreal Canadiens.

Voronkov was a fourth-round pick by Columbus in the 2019 NHL Draft, but came to North America as an older rookie, after spending five seasons with AK Bars Kazan in the KHL.