Agent Shumi Babaev discussed forward Dmitry Voronkov, a rising player for the Columbus Blue Jackets, and his outlook in the National Hockey League (NHL).
In Columbus, Russian players have consistently found quick footing. The track record includes goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, and skaters Artemi Panarin and Kirill Marchenko, each leaving a notable imprint. Voronkov’s journey mirrors this pattern, with room to carve out a similar path. The consensus is clear: he has the talent and the mindset to compete at the highest level, and embracing the new pace, style, and rules of the NHL is a natural next step. He is known for his relentless competitiveness and his ability to bring intensity to every shift, traits that could help him adapt swiftly to the league’s evolving dynamics.
Is there risk involved? The answer varies by perspective, since officials and interpretations shift from league to league and game to game. Yet the emerging view is that Voronkov can acclimate quickly to the NHL, leveraging his grit and flexibility to thrive in a tougher, faster environment. His willingness to learn the lay of the land without hesitation stands out as a potential advantage in making a smooth transition.
Voronkov was selected by the Columbus organization in the fourth round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, a testament to his potential and projection at the professional level.
Columbus has a history of Russian players contributing meaningfully, including goaltender Daniil Tarasov and forwards Kirill Marchenko and Yegor Chinakhov, underscoring a broader pipeline of talent connecting North American opportunities with Russian development paths.
Since 2018, Dmitry Voronkov has been a member of Ak Bars Kazan, where he has helped drive offense and momentum for the team. He earned a silver medal with the Russian national team at the Beijing Olympics, a highlight that signals his ability to compete on big stages and under high expectations.
During this season, he appeared in 54 regular-season games in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), recording 18 goals and 13 assists. In the playoffs, he added 12 points across 24 appearances, demonstrating his capacity to contribute in high-leverage situations. His overall trajectory shows a player who can translate prolific scoring and playmaking into a new league environment with the right development track.
A former agent, Alexander Chernykh, explained the rationale behind Voronkov’s decision to sign with the Columbus Blue Jackets, emphasizing factors such as organizational fit, opportunities for growth, and the strategic value of bringing in a versatile forward who can adapt across roles and lines. This framing aligns with the team’s long-term plans to bolster depth and offensive options while integrating talented prospects into their core forward group. (Source: industry discussions and player development analyses).