Columbus Blue Jackets Listening to Trade Inquiries for Forward Dmitri Voronkov
General manager Don Waddell confirmed that the team is evaluating potential deals for the 26-year-old forward amid a reduced role under head coach Rick Bowness.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are actively listening to trade offers regarding forward Dmitri Voronkov, according to reports from league insiders. Entering his fourth NHL season, the 26-year-old player has seen his ice time and offensive production decline significantly, leading to speculation that a change of scenery could benefit both the player and the organization.
Columbus General Manager Don Waddell confirmed that other clubs have expressed interest, though no imminent transaction has materialized. Waddell noted that while discussions are ongoing with several interested organizations, nothing is finalized at this stage.
“There’s some interest, but nobody is making any offers,” Waddell stated, adding that conversations remain open as they evaluate potential value in return, which could include draft picks or prospects to clear salary cap space.
Voronkov carries a cap hit of $4.175 million on a contract that expires at the end of the season, at which point he will become a restricted free agent eligible for arbitration. His struggles this season include managing just two assists in his early appearances while averaging limited time on ice and experiencing healthy scratches under head coach Rick Bowness.
The forward's relationship with the coaching staff has faced hurdles since Bowness took charge midway through the previous season. Under the prior coaching regime, Voronkov enjoyed productive stretches, including a rookie campaign where he scored 18 goals and a follow-up season featuring 23 goals. However, his deployment has dropped sharply, with the team utilizing him primarily in a fourth-line capacity.
Beyond Columbus, league observers note that multiple organizations are monitoring the situation. Reports indicate that teams such as the Vancouver Canucks have placed Voronkov on their radar as a young forward who might recapture his previous scoring touch in a new environment, similar to how former teammate Egor Chinakhov rebounded after moving to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Additionally, as the Blue Jackets navigate a crowded defensive lineup with players returning from injury, management may also look to move a defenseman to ease roster constraints. For now, Voronkov remains on the roster while front-office evaluations continue ahead of upcoming roster deadlines.