The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed prospect Corson Ceulemans to a three-year entry-level contract.
Ceulemans, 19, is considered one of the best prospects in the Blue Jackets system. The 19-year-old was picked 25th overall by Columbus in 2021 after a solid but short season with the AJHL’s Brooks Bandits. He also helped Canada win gold at the U-18 World Championship as a key member of the team’s top four.
Ceulemans then went full-time with the University of Wisconsin and had 22 points in 34 games as a rookie. He recently finished his second season with Wisconsin with eight goals and 23 points, good enough to lead the team in scoring by a defenseman.
Ceulemans is a two-way defender with good size and mobility. He should be able to be a top-four defenseman for the Blue Jackets once he’s in the lineup. The blue line has been barren this year since Zach Werenski was injured early in the season and with the recent trade of Vladislav Gavrikov.
Still, the blue line is looking to be an asset to the team going forward. David Jiricek was one of the best defensemen in the AHL, while Denton Mateychuk and Stanislav Svozil both thrived in the WHL. Aidan Hreschuk should also be a notable name once he graduates from the NCAA.
