The Columbus Blue Jackets announced Tuesday that they have inked defenseman Corson Ceulemans to a one‑year, two‑way contract extension, a move that keeps the 23‑year‑old under contract through the upcoming season while preserving flexibility for both the NHL and AHL.
Ceulemans, a 2021 first‑round selection, has yet to make his NHL debut but enjoyed his most productive campaign with the Cleveland Monsters of the AHL, posting a career‑high 64 games played and 24 points, a tally that reflects his growing offensive instincts and ability to move the puck.
Prospect Outlook
General manager Don Waddell praised the young blueliner, describing him as “a talented defenseman with excellent offensive instincts and puck‑moving skills,” and emphasized that the organization still sees him as a viable future NHL contributor.
The Athletic’s senior hockey analyst Scott Wheeler has projected Ceulemans as a potential “assertive No. 7‑8 D,” a designation that underscores his role as a depth defenseman who can contribute offensively while anchoring the penalty kill.
The extension not only secures Ceulemans’ development within the Blue Jackets’ system but also provides a clear pathway for him to transition from the AHL to the NHL, a trajectory the club hopes will materialize sooner rather than later.