The Columbus Blue Jackets are placing their bets on Dmitri Voronkov, the forward with both size and a scoring touch, inking a two-year contract extension worth a solid $8.35 million. Voronkov, who stands at 6’5″ and tips the scales at 227 lbs, racked up 23 goals and 47 points in the 73 games of last season. His performance not only reflected his heightened ice time — up more than three minutes per game from his rookie season — but also a marked development in his game, as reported by The Score.
Standing out as one of the Columbus Blue Jackets' marquee players since his 2023 debut, 24-year-old Voronkov's new contract reflects a strategic move by the franchise. With over $20 million of cap space ahead of the deal, Columbus isn't shy about investing in their young core, "He has size, strength and excellent hands and has a chance to be a very special player," said Don Waddell, the general manager of Columbus Blue Jackets, according to an announcement by the team, as reported by ABC6 On Your Side. Voronkov's statistical backing, with his 41 goals and 81 points in 148 career games, reinforces the robust expectations placed on his broad shoulders.
Not to be overlooked, Voronkov led all NHL rookies in power-play goals during his initial season and posted the third-most goals and power-play goals by a rookie in the history of the franchise. His consistent performance earned him the team lead in power-play goals over the two combined seasons, and he ranks third on the team in both goals and points.
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