The Columbus Blue Jackets announced today that they have secured the services of defenseman Corson Ceulemans through the 2026‑27 campaign, inking him to a one‑year, two‑way contract that keeps the 23‑year‑old under club control for another season.
General manager Don Waddell highlighted the move as a testament to the player’s rapid ascent and the organization’s confidence in his offensive upside.
Rising Through the Ranks
Ceulemans’ journey began at the University of Wisconsin, where over two seasons he compiled 15 goals, 30 assists and 45 points in 67 appearances, showcasing a blend of skating speed and puck‑handling that caught the eye of NHL scouts.
After being selected 25th overall in the 2021 draft, he transitioned to the professional ranks with the Cleveland Monsters of the AHL, where he has amassed 14 goals and 31 assists for 45 points across 157 games, while also contributing 43 penalty minutes and 151 shots on goal in the most recent 2025‑26 season.
That campaign marked career highs with eight goals, 16 assists and 24 points in 64 games, a performance that placed him second among Blue Jackets defensemen in points and third in assists, while also leading the club in goals and shots on goal.
His offensive instincts were further validated on the international stage when he helped Canada capture gold at the 2021 IIHF U18 World Championships, tying for the tournament lead among blueliners with seven assists and eight total points.
Implications for the Blue Jackets
The extension provides the Jackets with a cost‑controlled, high‑upside defenseman who can contribute both offensively and in the penalty kill, giving the coaching staff flexibility as they aim to rebound from a middling season.
Waddell emphasized that retaining a home‑grown talent who has already tasted success at the junior level and on the world stage reinforces the team’s commitment to developing players from within.
Fans can look forward to seeing Ceulemans paired with veteran partners in the upcoming season, as the organization hopes his continued improvement will translate into more wins and a deeper playoff push.