Dmitry Voronkov, the Russian forward who has spent his professional career in the National Hockey League with the Columbus Blue Jackets, reportedly grew uncomfortable with life in the United States. The information came from a Telegram channel that identifies itself as ONLINE BUSINESS, which quoted insiders familiar with the situation.
According to the publication, Voronkov felt unsettled in the U.S. because of language barriers. The player, who is 23 years old, reportedly lacked fluency in English, a challenge that reportedly contributed to a sense of isolation. As a result, discussions were said to be underway about continuing an arrangement that would keep him connected with his original club in Kazan, Ak Bars, while the option to return to the Kontinental Hockey League is still on the table through the end of December.
During the current NHL season, Voronkov has appeared in 14 games, contributed three goals, and added six assists to his team’s tally. The numbers illustrate a budding contribution in his time with Columbus, even as questions about fit and comfort around life in North America have persisted in the reported coverage.
Voronkov has been affiliated with the Kazan club since February 2019, making 232 appearances for Ak Bars and recording 99 points in that span. Alongside his professional trajectory, he has represented Russia on the national team, earning a silver medal at the 2022 Olympic Games. In the Olympic hockey final, the Russian squad were edged 2–1 by Finland, a result that neutral observers noted as a hard-fought contest on the world stage.
Observers have noted that the Russian presence in the NHL has included players who are widely regarded as hall of fame caliber by enthusiasts and historians of the sport. The discussion around Voronkov’s career thus sits within a broader conversation about the paths of Russian players who have transitioned to North American leagues, the personal and cultural adjustments that accompany such moves, and the ways in which clubs manage dual commitments to domestic leagues and the international stage. While the specifics of Voronkov’s situation remain subject to change, the unfolding dynamic reflects ongoing ties between Ak Bars and its players who seek opportunities across leagues, as well as the evolving relationship between Russian talent and North American professional hockey.