Blue Jackets: Voronkov's Future Uncertain

Dmitri Voronkov, once seen as a steal for the Columbus Blue Jackets, is now facing an uncertain future with the team. After breaking out in the 2023-24 season with 18 goals and 34 points, his performance dipped significantly post-All-Star break. This regression continued last season, culminating in Voronkov being demoted and struggling offensively this current 2026-27 season.

New coach Rick Bowness has visibly reduced Voronkov's ice time and ice presence, with the player currently bouncing around the lineup and seeing time on the fourth line. The team faces a difficult decision, weighing Voronkov's potential against his recent lack of results and a seemingly irreparable rift with the coaching staff. Keeping him might jeopardize locker room culture, while trading him risks losing another promising forward.

The Blue Jackets are reportedly looking for a return that could include a third-round pick, or at least mid-round picks, to move Voronkov. This comes as the team grapples with a lack of depth scoring, making the potential departure of a physical goal scorer a challenging prospect for their rebuild.